Updates on St. Lucia Tourism Projects

Dominic Fedee released updates on St. Lucia tourism projects last week. As the minister of tourism and culture, and the chair of Caribbean Tourism Organization, Fedee is the man who would know what is happening with the projects in St. Lucia. He stated some of the new plans are underway, while others are in planning. There is also one project waiting for legislation to make it possible.

The main focus for St. Lucia is to ensure the new terminal is under construction. The terminal is being added to Hewanorra Airport, which is the international airport on the island. It also helps passengers arrive and head into Vieux Fort, on the south end of the island. The project is going to require $157 million. The funds are coming from a Taiwanese loan. The new terminal should open in 2020, towards the end of the year.

Fedee commented stating the airport capacity required is increasing and with a new terminal the airport will be able to handle more flights and attract more passengers to the island.

Fedee also intends on improving ground transportation. He wishes to improve and repair the road system throughout the island. The area of main concern is on the west coast side where numerous curves and bumps make the trip from the airport unpleasant. Fedee stated there is a goal to ensure resorts are linked throughout the island to make things more accessible to travelers.

As part of the updates, the island has expanded the cruise port capacity at Pointe Seraphine. It is in the Castries. There are plans to create a second cruise port, which would be on the south side closer to the airport. There will be a record 143,000 cruise travelers visiting St. Lucia in 2019 according to the current numbers, making an increase of 15% in cruise travel.