Castries, Saint Lucia: Ernest Hilaire, the country’s deputy prime minister and minister for tourism, investment, creative industries, culture, and information, expressed his happiness after getting the opportunity of hosting the 2023 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala Event in Saint Lucia.
He shared his enthusiasm on social media and remarked that he was honoured to host the 2023 World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Grand Event.
Minister Hilaire stated, “I am pleased to announce that Saint Lucia will host the Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony for the 2023 World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards celebrate their 30th anniversary this year as well.
Ernest Hilaire emphasised that this is a fantastic opportunity and that the tourist sector is a strong pillar for the development of the economy.
He claimed that Saint Lucia had repeatedly been named the best place for a honeymoon in the Caribbean. Also, in 2022, the nation will become the first Leading Adventure Destination in the Caribbean.
“It is an admirable honour to host the awards,” said deputy prime minister Ernest Hilaire, “of which we have repeatedly received Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination and, for the first time last year, Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Destination.”
He argued that now is the ideal time to continue the efforts towards expanding the tourism sector, which is beneficial for Saint Lucia as a whole.
Deputy PM added, “We cannot undervalue tourism’s effect on our economy, so let’s keep developing an all-inclusive, win-win tourist business”.
He noted that Saint Lucia is prepared to join the international travel and tourism industry in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards and expressed his joy in hosting the award ceremony.
According to Minister Hilaire, it is impossible to stretch travel and tourism’s effect on the island’s economy.