Saint Lucia tourism executive Erwin Louisy has been re-elected as president of the Saint Lucia Hotels and Tourism Association, securing a new term that will run until 2028.
Louisy, managing director of Barefoot Holidays DMC, was returned to the position unopposed at the association’s 62nd annual general meeting held at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay on June 17.
Karolin Troubetzkoy Managing Director Anse Chastanet and jade mountainHe was also re-elected as Vice President without opposition.
This annual meeting brings together tourism stakeholders, government officials, and private sector leaders. “Stimulating tourism growth – a utility: essential to the future of Saint Lucia.” The event focused on the infrastructure and utility challenges facing one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
With several tourism development and expansion projects expected over the next few years, discussions focused on water security, energy resilience, communications and other priorities deemed critical to supporting continued visitor growth.
The keynote address was delivered by Skeeta Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of the National Utilities Regulatory Commission, who outlined the Commission’s role in supporting the development of Saint Lucia’s utility services sector.
Saint Lucia’s Minister of Physical Development and Public Utilities, Keithson Charles, emphasized the importance of tourism to the island’s economy and emphasized continued collaboration between government and the private sector on infrastructure planning.
Gilroy Pultie, Managing Director of Lucia Electricity Services Limited, detailed the utility’s investments to strengthen energy reliability and resilience while supporting future economic growth.
Association leaders also reviewed SLHTA’s work over the past year. Louisy, Troubetzkoy and CEO Noorani M. Azeez highlighted advocacy efforts related to water security, energy policy, workforce development, safety and security, and broader industry competitiveness.
Among the initiatives discussed were the establishment of a cross-sectoral water working group, participation in the draft electricity bill for Saint Lucia, and participation in regional sustainability and circular tourism economy discussions.
The Tourism Enhancement Fund also reported significant community investment activity. President Winston Anderson said the fund had distributed more than EC$1 million to projects and programs across Saint Lucia.
The meeting also included presentations from Liberty Caribbean and The Water and Sewerage Company, along with a marketing update from Saint Lucia Tourism Chief Executive Officer Louis Lewis.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual Tourism Legends Awards, which recognized five people for their long-standing contributions to the Saint Lucia tourism industry: Gregory Emmanuel, Carl Hunter, Joseph Lambert, Willings LaMontagne and Gregory Piper.
Following his re-election, Louisy thanked members, industry partners and government stakeholders for their continued support.
“At the beginning of my career, I had three options: art, fashion and tourism. I chose tourism and never looked back,” Louisy said.
Louisy said the association’s priorities going forward include strengthening member services, identifying new revenue opportunities and reviewing its membership structure to support long-term sustainability.
He also outlined an ongoing advocacy agenda focused on private sector collaboration, strengthening economic linkages, airlift development, renewable energy, destination marketing, business competitiveness and security.
The association also plans to pursue institutional reforms, including both the Saint Lucia Hyperbaric Chamber and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, as part of a wider strategy to support the future development of the island’s tourism sector.
The re-election comes at a critical time with new hotel projects, growing visitor demand and continued investment, bringing greater attention to the infrastructure needed to support the next phase of growth in tourism in St. Lucia.
