–with British Airways direct flights between the two countries

THE commencement of the British Airways flights to and from Guyana has opened the door for collaborations between Guyana and St Lucia.

This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who said that this is so because British Airways flies between the United Kingdom and Guyana, with one stop in St Lucia.

During the welcome ceremony for British Airways’ inaugural flight to Guyana on Monday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Tourism Minister said that the induction of the flight represents opportunities for partnerships, as she was expected to leave with the flight to travel to St Lucia.

She said: “Not only does this flight open travel between the UK and the respective nation, but it also presents opportunities for travel between St Lucia and Guyana to boost our inter-regional tourism.”

Walrond added that this now brings additional options for Guyanese wishing to experience the St. Lucia Jazz festival while similarly, Guyana can promote events such as the Cricket Carnival to the St Lucia market.

Recognising this potential, she added that the two countries have begun “tourism twinning” to combine two distinct appealing experiences into one package.
Adding to this was St Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire who said that they were happy to be sharing the milestone with Guyana as this was also a milestone for the island.

“I cannot recall if there has ever been a direct flight from Guyana to St Lucia. So, while this is a milestone for you, the flight returning is a milestone for St Lucia and we’re really grateful for us to have this gateway between Guyana and St. Lucia,” Dr. Hilaire said.

He said that the route between Guyana and St. Lucia will help in building the Caribbean bond, adding that it will also help St. Lucia’s tourism as they welcome visitors from Guyana.
Dr. Hilaire related that with the ease of access that the flight offers, the two countries will have to start thinking about multi-destination marketing.

The Tourism Minister remarked that St. Lucia has developed a strong tourism product and as such has a lot to share with Guyana in relation to tourism and hospitality.