Saint Lucia hosts US Grand Fam

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) continues to aggressively promote the destination in major source markets to keep the destination at the top of mind of travelers. In this instance, the SLTB continues to strengthen ifs partnership with the trade who continue to be a major influencer in where consumers take vacation. Over the next week, the SLTB will host a large contingent of travel agents from the United States. From November 29th to December 9th, two groups of travel agents totaling 130 from the island’s major gateways in the United States will have the opportunity to see and experience what the island has to offer. These agents currently sell the destination but have not had the opportunity to visit. Their visit is a testament to them wanting to increase their sales to their destination. Saint Lucia’s Director of Tourism Louis Lewis says, “With the United States remaining the island’s largest source market, it is critical that we ensure that as many US based travel agents that sell the Caribbean come and experience the island first hand; see the various properties and feel the warmth of the island. According to Lewis, “Along with securing additional airlift from the US, we are constantly striving to increase market share and therefore enhancing the knowledge and understanding of travel agents, better equips them to sell Saint Lucia and in the process driving increased visitor traffic to the destination.” This year a new feature has been added to the Fam Trips, that of a Breakfast presentation at the Sandals Grande on Friday November 30th and December 7th. During the presentations, agents will receive a destination overview and update including the latest developments as well as have the opportunity to learn about some of the smaller properties that make up the accommodations sector. Up until September of this year, Saint Lucia had welcomed 88,262 visitors from the United States alone.