CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Tourism officials in Saint Lucia are reporting that record growth in visitor arrival figures for the first half of 2010 are being matched by impressive global accolades for the island, and for many of the hotels and resorts that offer outstanding hospitality on the island.
Recent awards include “Best Caribbean Island in 2010” by Porthole Magazine and “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” at the World Travel Awards for the seventh year, reflecting the country team’s commitment to providing visitors with an excellent product with high standards of service and legendary hospitality.
“Although we don’t focus on winning awards, when we do win them, it reassures the entire nation that our efforts to give of our very best are bearing fruit,” said Director of Tourism, Louis Lewis.
Some of the major recognitions include Ladera making Condé Nast Traveler’s “2010 Gold List” which includes the best places to stay in the world, while Fond Doux Plantation was named second “Best Plantation Retreat in the World,” by The Guardian in the UK.
The acclaimed Jade Mountain luxury resort recently received the AAA Five Diamond rating, and the top rank for “World’s Best Service” in a recent edition of Travel & Leisure Magazine.
This past weekend, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King and Senator Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, paid tribute to the management and staff of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain for winning major accolades.
“You, more than anyone else, know of your commitment to your task, to your job, to the business of tourism that you are involved in; but by winning these highly coveted awards, you demonstrate unequivocally that commitment to the world,” noted Prime Minister King, who made a special presentation to staff members.
Senator Chastanet, who made a special presentation to the management team of Jade Mountain, commended the resort owners for their foresight in choosing Saint Lucia as the ideal place to establish their atmospheric sanctuaries with the fourth wall of the rooms entirely absent. Jade Mountain, Minister Chastanet noted, has blended perfectly into the hilly and iconic landscape of Soufrière, cultivating the skills and talents of Saint Lucians to deliver a truly exceptional product.
