The prime minister of Saint Lucia says the island’s ability to “coexist” with Covid-19 means it should be considered for the UK’s green list.
The destination reopened its border in June 2020 and has managed a “good balance” between protecting the locals and enabling visitors to come safely, said Allen Chastanet.
St Lucia is currently on the British amber list, meaning those who arrive back in the UK must self-isolate for 10 days.
Visitors to the island must undergo quarantine at designated hotels for 14 days – but the rules have just been eased, so fully vaccinated travellers are able to explore with fewer restrictions. All arrivals need a negative PCR test.
Chastanet said he is “very proud” of the bubbles that have been created at certified hotels and resorts on the island, such as Jade Mountain, Sandals, Anse Chastanet and Cap Maison.
The protocols mean staff are regularly tested; they have to keep their uniforms on the property; and they take private instead of public transport.
“It works very well, we have the track record to prove it,” Chastanet told Travel Weekly.
More: St Lucia relaxes Covid travel curbs
Holidaymakers can enjoy the property’s beaches and facilities while isolating – and even take Covid-compliant tours to attractions such as Sulphur Springs or to try activities such as ziplining.
“The TripAdvisor ratings are now higher than they were pre-Covid,” said Chastanet.
“People are happy to get out and not be confined…and being able to get out on tours has been more than they expected.
“They are very special properties – they’re destinations in themselves – and it’s a tribute to staff, who have been amazing.
“The benefit of the ‘coexisting’ theory with Covid is that some the countries are opening up now for the first time and they are struggling.”
Chastanet has been lobbying the UK authorities to get clarity on the British green and amber travel categories for travellers as he believes this is key to boosting bookings to a destination that relies heavily on tourism.
Overall visitor numbers in 2019 reached 424,000, including 84,000 from the UK. However, amid the pandemic last year, this figure dropped to 126,000, with 28,000 from the UK.
“The travelling population is still confused about amber,” he told Travel Weekly.
The island is among several in the Caribbean which have been tipped as possible candidates for a move to the green list, thanks to their careful management of the pandemic and low infection rates.
However, only about 18% of adults in St Lucia have received their first vaccine for Covid and Chastanet admitted that the island’s relatively low vaccination rates will be “problematic” for a green rating.
St Lucia is continuing to push for more vaccines to be delivered, and Chastenet said many small developing island nations face the same problem.
But he said that “intangibles” such as the successful bubbles strategy, along with testing and airport processing, should be taken into account.
“We want the UK to appreciate our protocols; we protect our population and the bubbles have worked,” he said.
“What we are doing is working. We deserve to be on the green light.”
The easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors will open up the island’s non-hotel accommodation offering, such as small guest houses, and enable them to hire a car to visit local attractions.
Those who are fully vaccinated can be easily identified by wearing a wristband.
The island is served by British Airways and Tui and Chastanet said there is an uptick in demand from the UK – but that will increase if there is more confidence about amber or a move to the green list.
The BA service is currently twice a week, rising to three times weekly later in June, while Tui is weekly.
The St Lucia Tourism Authority will continue to invest in the UK market, and plans further consumer marketing in the coming six months.
This will include national press and digital advertising, and promotions on social media, highlighting niches such as diving and romantic holidays.
Trade activities will build on the existing online training and reward programme, SLEx (saintluciaexpert.com); virtual and in-person events; airline and tour operator joint marketing; and digital advertising with key titles.
There is a dedicated trade Facebook page and monthly trade newsletters promote offers and provide island and product updates.
Furthermore, there are plans for a couple of fam trips later this year.
Visitors to the island are a mix of honeymooners and families, and there is a growing trend for ‘digital nomads’, who stay for long periods and take advantage of the ability to work remotely.