Even the massive snow storm that hit the New York area that week could not hold back thousands of would-be travelers from attending as the Saint Lucia Tourist Board joined with hotel partners Almond Resorts, Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, Bay Gardens Resorts, Rex Resorts, Stonefield Estate Villa Resort & Spa and the Village Inn & Spa to showcase the Eastern Caribbean island. In fact the feet of snow outside probably enhanced the sun-kissed attraction!
"We were really pleased with the show this year and thrilled that there was such a high interest in Saint Lucia," reported Lorine St. Jules, the New York City-based representative of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. "Everyone was telling us that they saw us on The Bachelor (ABC's television series) so we are pleased that our promotions have been successful," she added, explaining that excellent contacts were made and bookings to Saint Lucia secured.
Veteran hotelier Berthia Parle, General Manager of Bay Gardens Beach Resort, concurred, explaining that there was interest especially for travel between March and May, and towards the end of the year. "People who have been to the island on cruise ships now want to come back, and those who have never visited but heard about us from friends and family definitely want to book Saint Lucia now," she said, endorsing the travel show as an excellent opportunity to raise the profile and image of Saint Lucia.
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Former New York-based hotelier, Lisa Samuel of Village Inn Resort & Spa, predicted that The Bachelor airings, combined with the buzz at the travel show, mark the beginning of exciting times for the destination. "One of the great things about the experience this year is that many people came especially looking for us, saying 'Oh, Saint Lucia! I have heard great things about you!' That speaks volumes about our island."
About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. For information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1 (888) 4-STLUCIA, or visit
www.saintlucianow.com.