Saint Lucia Hospitality Leader Erwin Louisy Re-Elected as SLHTA President Through 2028

Saint Lucia tourism executive Erwin Louisy has been re-elected as President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, securing a new term that will run through 2028.

Louisy, the Managing Director of Barefoot Holidays DMC, was returned to the position unopposed during the Association’s 62nd Annual General Meeting held June 17 at Harbor Club in Rodney Bay.

Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, was also re-elected unopposed as Vice President.

The annual gathering brought together tourism stakeholders, government officials and private-sector leaders under the theme “Powering the Growth of Tourism — Utilities: Essential for Saint Lucia’s Future.” The event focused on the infrastructure and utility challenges facing one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

With several tourism developments and expansion projects expected in the coming years, discussions centered on water security, energy resilience, telecommunications and other priorities considered 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.

Keithson Charles, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Physical Development and Public Utilities, emphasized tourism’s importance to the island’s economy and highlighted ongoing collaboration between government and the private sector on infrastructure planning.

Gilroy Pultie, Managing Director of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited, detailed the utility company’s investments aimed at strengthening energy reliability and resilience while supporting future economic growth.

Association leaders also reviewed the SLHTA’s work during the past year. Louisy, Troubetzkoy and Chief Executive Officer Noorani M. Azeez highlighted advocacy efforts involving water security, energy policy, workforce development, safety and security and broader industry competitiveness.

Among the initiatives discussed were the establishment of a cross-sector Water Working Group, engagement on Saint Lucia’s draft Electricity Bill and participation in regional sustainability and circular tourism economy discussions.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund also reported significant community investment activity. Chairman Dr. Winston Anderson said the Fund had distributed more than EC$1 million toward 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 Authority Chief Executive Officer Louis Lewis.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual Tourism Legends Awards, recognizing five longtime contributors to Saint Lucia’s 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 start of my career I had three options: the arts, fashion or tourism. I chose tourism and I have never looked back,” Louisy said.

Looking ahead, Louisy said the Association’s priorities will include strengthening member services, identifying new revenue opportunities and reviewing its membership structure to support long-term sustainability.

He also outlined a continued advocacy agenda focused on private-sector collaboration, stronger economic linkages, airlift development, renewable energy, destination marketing, business competitiveness and security.

The Association also plans to pursue institutional reforms involving both the Saint Lucia Hyperbaric Chamber and the Tourism Enhancement Fund as part of its broader strategy to support the future development of the island’s tourism sector.

The re-election comes at a pivotal time for Saint Lucia tourism, with new hotel projects, expanded visitor demand and continued investment placing greater attention on the infrastructure needed to support the destination’s next phase of growth.

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