Tourexpi
2024 saw continued positive growth in tourism with stayover arrivals up 14% at over 435,000 visitors. The destination experienced increases in all sectors, with cruise ship calls up 18% and yachting figures up 7% compared to 2023.
The UK market closed 2024 with December figures up 11% year on year. Overall, UK visitor numbers were up by 4%. The largest market for Saint Lucia is the US at just over half of the share of visitors and with an increase of 20% on last year’s total. The UK is the second market in volume at around 20% of the total stayovers but Brits stay the longest with an average duration of 10 nights. The Caribbean region is in the top three and saw a growth of 17% in 2024.
Traditionally a winter sun choice, the SLTA has been working to position the island as a year-round destination with a thriving events programme helping to boost summer visits. Visitor numbers are consistent for each month.
Patricia Charlery-Leon, SLTA Director for UK & Europe said “It’s been another challenging year economically for the UK but we know how important holidays are. Working closely with our partners, we are so delighted with the increase as it shows confidence in the product and importantly, the overall experience for visitors. We are consistently given feedback that it’s the warm welcome along with the rich range of experiences that make a holiday in Saint Lucia special.”
2025 sees the return of the hugely successful Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in May and Lucian Carnival in July. October is another key month as the island celebrates its heritage and culture, coinciding with family half-term breaks. The UK and Ireland trade engagement programme continues with Saint Lucia Expert (SLEx), agent webinars, dedicated events and a range of fam trips covering adventure, luxury and romance. The SLTA’s Showcase week runs from 15th September 2025.
There are also significant plans to further support the local community with new tours and experiences launching later this year through SLTA’s sister organisation, the Community Tourism Agency.
UK airlift remains strong with a year-round daily flight from London Gatwick from British Airways and commitment to an annual winter service from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic.
Image Credit: © Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
The most interesting news
Read the News

Travel technology at ITB Berlin 2026: AI and global innovation reshape the industry
With six fully booked Travel Tech halls, strong international participation and a new Travel Tech Track in the convention programme, ITB Berlin 2026 underscores its role as the world’s leading platform for travel technology and digital transformati
Read the News

Türkiye’s airline fleets expand significantly over five years
Driven by rising passenger demand and major airport investments, Türkiye’s airlines have expanded their fleets sharply since 2021, with Turkish Airlines accounting for the largest share at the end of 2025
Read the News

Emirates extends Chauffeur-Drive service in Japan to Narita and Kansai
Premium ground service now available at three major Japanese airports from February and March 2026
Read the News

Moxy Hotels brings a playful twist to the New Year with Sweet Moxy Fest
Limited-edition candy cocktails and interactive lobby experiences roll out across 10 Moxy Hotels in China
Read the News

DRV welcomes National Tourism Strategy as a clear signal for the travel industry
German cabinet sets priorities on competitiveness, cutting red tape and sustainable development
Read the News

Celebrity River Cruises announces 10 additional ships and opens 2028 Europe season
With an order for ten new vessels and the opening of bookings for its 2028 European season, Celebrity River Cruises is significantly accelerating its expansion on Europe’s rivers
Read the News

Air India expands single-aisle fleet with order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets
By ordering 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Air India is accelerating the modernisation of its fleet and reinforcing its growth strategy in India’s rapidly expanding domestic and regional aviation market
Read the News

Hurghada: TUI Care Foundation supports Maaza Bedouin community through cultural tourism
With a new cultural tourism initiative in Hurghada, the TUI Care Foundation is strengthening the visibility, livelihoods and cultural heritage of Egypt’s Maaza Bedouin community while creating authentic experiences for visitors to the Red Sea desti
Read the News

TAT launches ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign with LISA as Amazing Thailand Ambassador
With a new TV commercial featuring Lalisa “LISA” Manobal, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening its Trusted Thailand strategy and positioning the country as a high-quality destination through emotion-led storytelling
Read the News

China advises citizens to avoid travel to Japan
Beijing cites security concerns and earthquake risks as tensions with Tokyo remain high
Read the News

Four Seasons marks 65 years with focus on disciplined global growth
Anniversary year highlights expansion in key markets, residential strength and the debut of Four Seasons Yachts
Read the News

Spain presents Tourism 2030 Strategy at FITUR and strengthens global tourism governance
At FITUR 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism outlines strategic priorities for the decade ahead, relaunches social dialogue in hospitality and confirms the opening date of the Parador de Ibiza
Read the News

Emirates and Air Peace activate bilateral interline agreement
Enhanced partnership expands seamless connectivity between Africa, the UAE and London
Read the News

Shiso City unveils new sustainable experiences rooted in forests, fermentation and heritage railways
Located near Kyoto and Osaka, the forest-rich city in Hyogo Prefecture positions itself as an emerging destination for nature-based and culturally grounded travel
Read the News

Diamond Princess expands culinary offering with two new specialty restaurants
Makoto Ocean and the Crown Grill debut for the 2026 Asia and Japan season, further enhancing Princess Cruises’ dining experience at sea
Read the News

Germany issues travel alert for the United States after Minneapolis shooting
Foreign Ministry urges vigilance following violent confrontations during protests in several U.S. cities
Read the News

Eurowings expands services and routes in early 2026
Fast onboard internet, a top employer award, flexible flight vouchers and a new summer route from Graz underline Eurowings’ focus on connectivity and quality
Read the News

ITB Berlin 2026 launches ITB Navigator for matchmaking and show preparation
New digital platform supports networking, appointment planning and information access ahead of ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026
Read the News

Marella Cruises reveals headline acts for 30th Birthday sailings in May 2026
Live performances and celebrity Q&A sessions will mark three decades of Marella Cruises with celebratory voyages across the fleet
Read the News

Oceania Cruises marks America’s 250th anniversary with distinctive Alaska and New England voyages
Luxury cruise line unveils 19 journeys in 2026 combining heritage, landscapes and destination-focused culinary experiences
Read the News

Condor launches daily Frankfurt–Cairo service from May 2026
New route strengthens Condor’s international network and expands access to a key market in North Africa
