The tourism industry has not only recovered from the devastating blow of the COVID-19 pandemic but is now charting historic new territory.
During a wide-ranging stakeholder discussion this week, Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire confirmed that the island has officially surpassed its record 2019 stayover arrivals and is on course for an even stronger year ahead.
Dr. Hilaire recalled the sharp decline brought on by global shutdowns.
“In 2019, Saint Lucia recorded 423,736 stayover visitors, the highest in our history at that time. By 2021, due to the global pandemic, that number fell to just under 200,000,” he said.
However, intense global marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and restored airlift fuelled a powerful rebound.
“Through targeted marketing, the restoration of airlift and close collaboration of our travel partners, the sector rebounded to 435,659 stayover arrivals in 2024,” the minister noted.
The growth is spreading across all major visitor categories.
Dr. Hilaire announced that, “When we combine all arrivals, stayover, cruise and yachting, the total for 2025 is projected at 1.16 million visitors.”
He pointed out that although the figure is “a 9 percent difference from 2019, 1.27 million,” the island is now attracting a more lucrative visitor base. “Importantly, the composition has shifted towards higher value markets and longer term benefits,” he said.
Record-breaking U.S. arrivals, a resurgent cruise industry and expanded yachting traffic are driving much of this momentum. New tourism developments, increased room stock and diversified niche offerings are set to further lift the sector in the coming year.
With 2025 stayover arrivals projected at an unprecedented 428,513, tourism officials say the industry is transitioning from recovery to high performance, positioning Saint Lucia for long term, sustainable growth.
The minister emphasized that the future looks strong and deeply connected to both public and private sector collaboration: a signal that Saint Lucia’s most vital industry is not just back, but thriving.