CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA — What a year it has been for Saint Lucia, which has surpassed all previous records set for stayover arrivals.

From January to December 2019, the destination recorded 423,736 stayover visitors, the highest in its history. The year also marked the first time that Saint Lucia broke the 400,000 mark in stayover arrivals in a one-year period. This is a significant achievement as it indicates that the destination welcomed 100,000 additional visitors in nine years, an increase of 38%.

Much of the growth is being attributed to increases in airlift from the U.S. market in particular, which accounted for 45% of total stayover arrivals, or roughly 191,000 visitors. The Caribbean was the island’s second largest market with 20% of arrivals, followed closely by the U.K. (19%) and Canada (10%).

In total, stayover arrivals was up 7% from the previous year, which was also a record-breaking year.

According to Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee, this increase in arrivals is of tremendous benefit to the tourism industry and, by extension, the entire Saint Lucian economy.

“We are not simply interested in increasing numbers but more importantly ensuring that the growth trajectory of the industry is sustainable and that it touches every facet of economic development leading to employment creation and income generation for our people,” he said. “We are extremely proud of this achievement as it clearly is the result of strong industry leadership, coupled with well thought out and targeted marketing policies and programs that result in employment generation for thousands of Saint Lucians, either on the front lines of the hospitality industry or indirectly via related industries.”

Fedee added that surpassing the 400,000-mark is a “fitting way to conclude the island’s recognition of its 40th year of Independence.”

Saint Lucia surpassed the 300,000 mark in 2010 when it recorded 305,937 stayover arrivals. Moving into 2020, tourism watch agencies are forecasting measured growth expectations.