Stats: St. Lucia Tourist Arrivals Reach All-Time High in 2017

According to statistics released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), St. Lucia hit an all-time high in total visit arrivals in 2017, when the island welcomed 1,105,541 travelers. 

St. Lucia also recorded the highest growth in 2017 among the CTO member countries, registering an 11 percent increase.

According to the CTO, 2017 was characterized by sustained growth in the industry, with stay-over arrivals at 386,127 and the cruise sector recording a 14 percent increase, reaching 669,217, an additional 81,264 visitors despite the eight-month closure of the Pointe Seraphine Berth 1.

“The tourism industry continues to be an incredibly important and vital part of the Saint Lucian economy,” said Dominic Fedee, St. Lucia’s minister of tourism information and broadcasting. “We are happy with the levels of growth witnessed and as we continue our marketing efforts, we as well look to maximizing the impact of tourism on our economy.”

According to the CTO, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority worked assiduously with the CTO and trade partners to overcome the indirect challenges faced by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, ensuring all markets that the destination was safe and available for travel.

About Saint Lucia

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, St. Lucia is located halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Often referred to as the "Helen of the West Indies," St. Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes.

Visit www.stlucia.org

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