British Airways predicts good year for St Lucia

Written by Sun St. Kitts and Nevis

Richard Tams, head of UK and Ireland Sales at British Airways, identified St. Lucia and St. Kitts as two leading long haul destinations for British travellers and predicted that arrivals to those countries should increase this year.

“It’s not all doom and gloom for travel in the current economic climate, as destinations such as Dubai and the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and St. Lucia continue to experience growth and investment, so we anticipate greater numbers of customers wanting to travel there,” he said.

Tams’ statement came as British Airways began operating a weekly service between London’s Gatwick Airport and St. Kitts last Saturday. His comments also come on the heels of an increase in flights to St. Lucia, with the carrier now making three flights each week from the UK to the island.

The Barbados based Regional BA Manager Nigel Blackett said British Airways was pleased to be in a position to provide the additional services given the disappointment felt by St. Lucians some years ago when the services into Hewanorra International were reduced.

“We have now returned with a better product, which will allow passengers to go direct to London instead of having to transit from another point,” he said.
British Airways Commercial Manager for the Caribbean Diane Corrie said the company had returned to St. Lucia with additional flights because of a growing demand for St. Lucia in the UK market.

She said there was also the additional consideration that the notable increase in premium developments in St. Lucia, which matched the company’s club world product, “so with that growth we are capitalising on opportunities to improve business and bring more visi