There are positive results from the St. Lucian Tourist Board as January arrivals increased by some 20.7% from the same period in 2004. This news comes hot on the heels of excited notification that property development on the island is on the increase, resulting in extended room count - therefore enabling increased visitor arrivals.One notable development is that of The Landings which initiates construction in November of this year. This 19-acre high-end project will come at the cost of US$165 million and will be located in the Rodney Bay area of St. Lucia. The first phase is forecast to open in Feb. 2007. The property will boast yacht moorings, beach club, helicopter transfers to and from major airports, a spa and will consist of 500 villa rooms.

Other hotels are expanding their room quota. One being President of the CHA Berthia Parle’s, Bay Gardens Hotel and its sibling property Bay Gradens Inn. There will be completion of an 80-room Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa in November 2006. One thing that Berthia is adamant must continue so that the Caribbean continues to flourish is;

“We must maintain a precedence and continue to make our own magic.”

Other news out of St. Lucia includes the fact that Sonesta International Hotels will manage the new Discovery at Marigot Bay, a Sonesta Resort, on the west coast of St. Lucia. This is penned to open late this year.

Discovery will be a 124-room property offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style accommodations, three restaurants and lounges, a spa, fitness center, a 60-berth marina and a Marina Village with shops, water sports, cafes and yachting facilities.
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