Analysis Of Saint Lucia

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Prior to 1979, the economy of the island of Saint Lucia relied heavily on agriculture with the profitable banana industry dominating the market. The success of agriculture began to decline with the establishment of large global trading blocs and new rules set out by the World Trade Organization. The business of banana began to suffer from increased competition from much larger producers and more expensive inputs. However, along-side the boom in agriculture, the island leaders recognized the potential of Saint Lucia`s natural wonders and their ability to captivate and lure visitors. In order to transform into another economic mainstay was challenging as the island developed its infrastructure in preparation. This in turn attracted international investors including hoteliers who sought out unspoilt beaches and coastal hilltops to build the properties that would form the foundation for tourists’ accommodation.

Today, Saint Lucia`s tourism product is as diverse as the island`s flora and fauna. Visitors no longer just stay in a hotel, but have the opportunity to tour the island and really enjoy this islands paradise to suit their taste and budget.
The tourism product
Saint Lucia`s tourism product continues to thrive, offering regional and international visitors a full range of accommodation amenities ranging from small and intimate inns situated in scenic, remote and private locations to hotel chains such as the Windjammer Landings Beach Resort and Sandals Group situated on prime beachfront property. The island`s tourism setting encompasses a mixture of self-contained villas, luxury condominiums and state of the art golf courses.
A Tourism Incentives Act outlines a range of tax and non-tax incentives offered to approve i...

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...It has created an intra-regional (Caribbean) tourism market which was largely omitted in the tourism marketing strategies of most Caribbean tourism organizations.

The spending habits of festival tourists have been very significant as a share of total visitor expenditure. Nurse (2001) observed that festival tourists are quite knowledgeable about the art forms and the region’s culture and history. They tend to stay longer on the island and spend more on local goods and services than the conventional tourist. They also tend to be repeat visitors and good word-of-mouth spoke persons. The Government of Saint Lucia has begun to incorporate festivals in their tourism development strategy but more research is required (economic impact assessment) and more investments should be made in the development and infrastructure in the arts and cultural industries of Saint Lucia.

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