Exhibitor Spotlight on: Saint Lucia

Iana Fevriere Jacobs, sales and marketing manager for the St Lucia Tourism Authority in the UK, takes us round the Caribbean island and explains why it’s the dream destination for small to medium-sized meetings, unique incentives and special interest groups.

What makes Saint Lucia such a great place for meetings and incentives?

Saint Lucia offers a year-round warm climate, beautiful beaches, a world-class range of accommodation, bespoke itineraries and dedicated destination management companies – all in one awe-inspiring tropical island. Groups can enjoy unique and memorable experiences such as rainforest adventures, street party nights, spa and health experiences, rum tours, diving and snorkelling, golf days, sailing courses, deep sea fishing, chocolate making classes and so much more.

The island has a diverse accommodation offering with three Sandals properties, Royalton, The Landings, Harbor Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort and other smaller buyout options like East Winds, Ladera and Rabot to name a few.

A big part of the island’s charm lies with its rich cultural heritage. The vibrant blend of Carib, African, French and English influences every aspect of food, music, language and activities. This means that all visitors can expect a unique island experience.

Also, with daily non-stop flights from the UK, it has never been easier to get to the island.

What has been happening in Saint Lucia’s meetings and events market this last year?

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority was delighted to support the C&IT A-list project last year. We also took a group of 6 incentive planners on a fam trip to the island where they got to experience the amazing activities and accommodation options available to groups. We have also been focusing more on our MICE offering and ways in which to improve in this area.

What unmissable activity would you recommend to anyone visiting Saint Lucia?

I must say there are a few unmissable activities on the island! Last year, the island was recognised as the ‘Best Adventure Tourism Destination in the Caribbean’ so rest assured there is something for everyone.

Every visitor to the island simply must enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience and visit the Soufriere Sulphur Springs Park. The island is home to the Caribbean’s only drive in volcano which means you have the ability to walk and drive right into the heart of a dormant volcano. There you can learn about the intriguing geology on a guided tour and bathe in the mineral rich mud baths which is said to detoxify the body.

 What is Saint Lucia planning for The Meetings Show this year?

The main goal this year is to remind incentive planners that Saint Lucia is the ideal destination for meetings and incentives.

What about the future? Any exciting plans for this market?

Next year, we have lots of plans in store for the MICE market. Not only will we be focussing on hosting a fam trip and attending more events, to raise awareness for Saint Lucia as an incentive destination, we can also look forward to exciting on island projects such as the revamping of the on island rum tour.