PUERTO RICO’S RECORD YEAR FOR TOURISM Last year finished with the Puerto Rico's tourism industry setting new records in lodging income, room tax collections, and passenger arrivals, while the average stay of tourists increased by 5%. By December 2021, about 80,000 people were employed in the economy's leisure and hospitality sectors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics data, this figure is among the highest for a month in the last decade, and it’s only 500 jobs off preCOVID-19 levels – and 29,600 more than those working in these sectors in April 2020, when the pandemic brought much of the economy to a halt. For more information about the destination, visit www. DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
which is at the core of the tourism sector,” said Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire- Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information. “The growth experienced in 2021 is attributed to data driven, well-performing flights and the reintroduction of services from key markets. The destination was also bestowed four major accolades and ancillary service providers were also awarded. This adds to Saint Lucia’s prominence in the global marketplace and solidifies our mandate of marketing and driving demand for our island.”
MARTINIQUE’S TOURISM “RESURGENCE” Martinique is aiming for a “resurgence” in tourism, according to Benedicte de Geronmimo, the new leader of the Martinique Tourism Commission.
SAINT LUCIA SURPASSES PROJECTIONS Last year welcomed continued efforts by the Government of Saint Lucia towards the sustainable stimulation of the tourism economy. The destination welcomed 199,347 stay-over arrivals, surpassing Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s projections by 12%. During 2021, the destination noted several record-breaking months and an increase in air service from key source markets. This culminated with December ending on a high note, as the destination welcomed about 30,000 visitors – representing more than double the recorded arrivals in December 2020. “We celebrate Saint Lucia’s resilience
“Tourism is a solid lever of our economic development because it is transversal,” she said. “We have to be attentive and inventive to bounce back. Martinique has tremendous assets that I intend to energetically promote with all professionals in the tourism sector. Martinique is a strong destination, a visitor’s destination of excellence. I intend to meld more thoroughly our identity, our culture, our heritage, our landscapes, our gastronomy, our AOC rums or our artists. I aspire to go towards a ‘Martiniquality,’ a Martinique synonymous with quality.” This push will include a multi-faceted approach, such as a focus on events and sustainable tourism, which Martinique has in spades – from its UNESCO biosphere reserve to its traditional sailing culture.
Martinique is also looking to promote the candidacy of both Mont Pelee and the Pitons du Carbet as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Di Geronimo said – and she told the ultimate goal is to “relaunch” the destination, particularly in the U.S. market. “Together we will step up to the challenge of a strong resurgence,” she said. “It is through the efforts of each and every one of us that we will be able to reassure our visitors and to seek a better tomorrow. Martinique is resilient, and we can count on the exceptional support of our long-time U.S. industry partners, which are allowing us to reconnect with our American friends.”
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REMAINS FIRM IN THE REACTIVATION OF CRUISE SHIP TOURISM, CLOSES 2021 WITH A NEW RECORD Since the post-pandemic cruise ship operations began, July of last year, the Dominican Republic has maintained sustained growth with all the biosafety protocols implemented in the hotel sector and in the country's tourist centers, to guarantee the safety of clients, the crew and communities – a fact that has earned us the recognition of various organizations, including the World Tourism Organization. The Dominican Republic offers all the facilities for arrival at the different ports of the country: Taíno Bay, Amber Cove, Santo Domingo, La Romana and Samaná, gateways to discover the natural beauties, extensive gastronomy and historical richness of incomparable attributes. The Cabinet of Tourism – headed by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader FIRST QUARTER 2022 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 29