SLHTA Chef’s Table Conference a Success

On Friday, August 16, 2024, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) hosted a timely Chef’s Table conference on the theme “Tourism and Taxation: Understanding the Tourism Development Act”.

The event, held at Sandals Grande St. Lucia, brought together stakeholders to gain insights, share ideas and explore the exciting future of tourism in St. Lucia.

The packed agenda included exciting presentations from key partners:

– Dexter Percil, Head of Marketing for the Saint Lucia Tourism Board, presented attendees with a comprehensive marketing update. His presentation provided insight into the destination’s recent performance, current marketing strategies, and future activities designed to increase global awareness.

-Tara Jn Phillip of Invest Saint Lucia reports on the country’s exciting tourism investment prospects. She shares progress on ongoing construction projects and upcoming investments.

-The team led by Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the Tourism Development Act, detailing the incentives and benefits available to stakeholders. This productive meeting gave participants a better understanding of the tremendous opportunities to develop and expand their business interests.

– The keynote speech was delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, His Excellency Ernest Hilaire, who stressed the importance of collaboration and effective communication among stakeholders. Praising the successful partnership between the public and private sectors, he called for continued efforts to create an environment conducive to business growth and worker welfare. The Minister also stressed the need for continued dialogue to resolve issues and ensure the success of the sector.

A particularly exciting part of the Chef’s Table event was the presentation of the Erin Paul Scholarship to ten incoming high school students. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student whose parents work in the industry.

The event also featured a vibrant manufacturers’ trade show, showcasing a range of goods including jewellery, clothing, food, tea, seaweed products, technology and natural soaps. Manufacturers jumped at the opportunity to showcase their wares and make valuable connections with industry stakeholders.

The Chef’s Table event concluded with closing remarks from SLHTA Vice President Ms. Erwin Louisy, who reiterated the Association’s commitment to continue to build important connections and provide a platform for collaboration and innovation within the industry.

A particularly exciting part of the Chef’s Table event was the presentation of the Erin Paul Scholarship to ten incoming high school students. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student whose parent works in the industry. The smiles of the delighted students and parents lit up the room and created a celebratory atmosphere.

The event also featured a vibrant manufacturers’ trade show, showcasing a range of goods including jewellery, clothing, food, tea, seaweed products, technology and natural soaps. Manufacturers jumped at the opportunity to showcase their wares and make valuable connections with industry stakeholders.

The Chef’s Table event concluded with closing remarks from SLHTA Vice President Ms. Erwin Louisy, who reiterated the Association’s commitment to continue to build important connections and provide a platform for collaboration and innovation within the industry.