Saint Lucia sees highest arrivals on record for April

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is reporting continued growth in visitor arrivals, with April 2026 recording the highest April stay-over arrivals on record, up 8.5% compared to the same period in 2025 and 3.7% year-to-date.

A total of 40,752 stay-over visitors arrived on the island during the month, reflecting the success of ongoing marketing, airlift, and event-driven strategies.

The destination recorded notable gains from several key source markets.

The United States market continued its positive trajectory with an increase of 900 visitors, while the Caribbean market grew significantly by 39.6%, representing an additional 1,954 visitors.

Canada also demonstrated remarkable growth, increasing by 45.9% with an additional 1,205 visitors to the destination.

Further strengthening the Canadian market, WestJet increased its frequency to twice weekly, up from April 2025.

Air Canada will upgrade its service in June 2026, increasing seat capacity and supporting continued growth from the region.

While the United Kingdom market recorded a decline of approximately 930 visitors, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority remains “encouraged by the overall diversification and resilience of the destination’s visitor portfolio,” reads a press release.

The island also experienced growth across the cruise and yachting sectors. Yacht arrivals increased by 44% while cruise arrivals grew by 34%.

“What is particularly encouraging is that Saint Lucia’s growth is becoming more balanced and experience driven. We are seeing stronger regional travel, increased Canadian demand, higher visitor participation within the cruise sector, and global digital exposure that continues to elevate the destination in new and exciting ways that inspire people to engage more deeply with the island, its culture, and its people,” said Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, in a release.

Activities undertaken in the preceding months strengthened destination visibility and sustained momentum, contributing to the growth in appeal recorded in April 2026.

Strategic marketing, improved airlift, trade engagement, and sustained media exposure helped keep Saint Lucia top-of-mind in key markets, driving increased demand and stronger performance during the period.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, with a “What Kind of Summer Are You?” campaign underway, says it remains optimistic about continued growth in 2026 as it strengthens partnerships, expands global reach, and enhances the visitor experience.

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