June 2025 realised figures totalling 33,696, which tourism officials note as a 12% decline compared to June 2024. However, Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire explained this was not a cause for concern.

“June 2024 was unusually high. We had a 42% increase in 2024 over 2023. So what you see in June 2025 is almost a return to normalcy,” he explained.

Despite the June dip, July 2025 has shown strong performance, particularly in the lead-up to Carnival. In the 20 days leading up to the Parade of the Bands, Saint Lucia welcomed 28,764 visitors, which is an increase of 10% over the same period in 2024.

The United States saw a 6% rise, the United Kingdom 1%, Canada 16%, and the Caribbean region recorded a notable 35% increase.

However, he pointed out a curious trend: a decrease in arrivals from the Saint Lucian diaspora, even as other markets surged.

While Hilaire did not speculate on the reason for the dip, he affirmed that early bookings for 2026 suggest the island is “on track for another bumper year” if current conditions hold.

Hilaire reiterates the importance of balancing the tourism sector’s continued growth with adequate infrastructure and planning.