Saint Lucia Adds Flights and Hotel Rooms as It Courts Latin American Travellers

Saint Lucia is pushing to expand air access and add hotel capacity while working to attract travellers from Latin America, the island's tourism minister, Ernest Hilaire, told the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026. Airlines including WestJet, American Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways have announced service increases for the Northern Hemisphere winter season, and the government expects seat capacity to grow alongside new accommodation.

Key facts

• Northern Hemisphere winter season: WestJet, American Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways have announced service increases to Saint Lucia.
• Islay Resort expects to add more than 200 rooms to the market before the end of the year.
• Dreams by Hyatt is expected to open during 2027.
• Nearly 1,000 rooms were temporarily taken out of service during 2025 and 2026 for renovation work.
• Saint Lucia recorded its highest number of overnight tourist arrivals in 2024.

What is changing for air travel?

Hilaire said the government is working with airlines to increase air capacity, with service increases already announced by WestJet, American Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways for the Northern Hemisphere winter season. Overall, he said, Saint Lucia expects a rise in seat capacity to accompany the expansion of hotel infrastructure.

No specific routes, frequencies or start dates for the additional services have been announced. Hilaire also said the island is already holding talks with airlines to identify connectivity opportunities as part of its Latin American outreach.

Which hotels are opening?

New rooms have recently been added at Bay Gardens, and new proposals include Safaristan, aimed at the luxury segment, and Islay Resort, focused on wellness and opening in phases. Islay Resort expects to add more than 200 rooms to the market before the end of the year.

Dreams by Hyatt is expected to open during 2027. Over the next two or three years, Saint Lucia also anticipates further new properties and expansions of existing establishments to meet growing demand.

Why is Saint Lucia targeting Latin America?

Hilaire described Latin America as important for diversifying the island's source markets, because the two regions' travel seasons are complementary. Saint Lucia's high season coincides with the Northern Hemisphere winter, while activity tends to slow during the northern summer, which falls in the South American winter when travellers seek warmer climates.

Attracting more Latin American visitors in those months would help reduce seasonality and spread demand through the year, he said. An initial phase focused on building contacts and networks in the region, and the government has contracted a firm specialising in the region to help develop those relationships. The next stage will aim to raise awareness of Saint Lucia and improve travel access.

What else is coming for visitors?

Saint Lucia is preparing to open an underwater sculpture park to strengthen its scuba diving offering, and is promoting community experiences, off-road vehicle excursions and hiking trails to develop adventure tourism. Cultural tourism is also being pushed as a way to connect visitors with local communities.

Figures for 2026 stand above the previous year, and Hilaire said the island expects a positive fourth quarter and a better 2027.

What this means for travellers

Travellers planning a Saint Lucia trip for the Northern Hemisphere winter season may find more flight options and a larger choice of accommodation than in recent years. The minister did not give specific schedules, so travellers should check directly with airlines for the routes and dates that have been confirmed.