NEW YORK – As the island of Saint Lucia bucks the trend and harvests strong growth from the United States travel market, tourism officials are welcoming additional JetBlue Airways flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) almost two months ahead of the official start of the summer season.
Saint Lucian tourism officials report that the airline which began service to the island last October, will increase flights from three to five per week from May 1, 2010 through to Labor Day weekend in early September, to meet travelers’ demands and just in time for the start of the 2010 Saint Lucia Jazz festival which will be held May 1 to 9.
Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation reports traveling to Saint Lucia on JetBlue continues to be both accessible and affordable. “We welcome these additional flights from the important New York gateway,” stated Senator Allen Chastanet, who reported the island had already registered five consecutive months of increased US visitor arrivals, averaging more than 30 percent from November through the end of March.
With flights on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, JetBlue is currently offering special fares from US $99(a) each way between New York and Saint Lucia for travel purchased by May 1, 2010. The tickets are valid for travel between May 6 and June 16, 2010 (a).
JetBlue also offers full vacation packages for Saint Lucia and 35 other JetBlue destinations. JetBlue Getaways customers book discounted vacation packages, including airfare, hotel, airport transfers and/or various activities at one time, saving valuable time and money. Customers can book a JetBlue Getaways vacation package to Saint Lucia at www.jetblue.com/getaways or through the JetBlue Getaways desk by calling 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583), option 3. Current special offers on air and hotel packages to Saint Lucia include a 5 night stay at the St. Lucian by Rex Resorts for only $425, departing from JFK in New York and available for travel between May 1 and June 15, booking is available though May 5 (b).
Director of Tourism Louis Lewis noted that with the strong exposure the island generated from hosting ABC Television’s “The Bachelor,” the forecast beyond the close of the winter season looks very positive.
“Saint Lucia continues to be a top-of-mind destination and we are pleased to be able to accommodate travelers’ needs with increased airline seats, newly renovated hotels, new and improved spas, restaurants, and attractions for couples, families and singles,” he said. He added that with the 19th anniversary of Saint Lucia Jazz set for May, and a revamped Carnival and Homecoming Celebrations scheduled in July, business prospects were more than encouraging.
In September and October this year, JetBlue returns to its thrice weekly schedule, before ramping up the schedule to five weekly flights in time for the busy winter season.
This May, the sounds of jazz converge on Saint Lucia in a fabulous week-long celebration that attracts performers and patrons from around the world. This year, Saint Lucia welcomes Grammy Award winners Ne-Yo, Corinne Bailey Rae, Shaggy, Steel Pulse and many other chart-topping artistes.
