Tourism officials to promote island's diverse offerings

By Bevan Springer

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia - Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia's Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Nerdin St. Rose, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board's Vice President of Marketing and Sales, are leading the island's delegation to the 2010 edition of Caribbean Week in New York which officially gets under way in New York City this weekend.

During the week of activities organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Senator Chastanet, the recently appointed St. Rose, and Titus Preville, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, will join US-based representatives of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, led by Lorine St. Jules, to promote the destination's new and newly refreshed resorts, attractions, festivals as well as its increased airlift.

"Our efforts in New York will complement those already underway by The Saint Lucian Homecoming 2010 Committee which has been very active in getting more members of the Caribbean Diaspora to return home and take part in an exciting array of summer activities, including our new and improved carnival," reported St. Rose, who re-emphasized that the largest concentration of overseas-based Caribbean nationals is based in New York.

St. Rose disclosed that Saint Lucia will have a strong presence at the Caribbean Media Marketplace event, by showcasing authentic Saint Lucian products that feature the specialty aspects of the destination, as well as the Caribbean Meeting and Incentive Trade Showcase to help position the island as an attractive meetings destination.

"With increased flights to Saint Lucia from New York thanks to American Airlines and JetBlue Airways, and from Atlanta on Delta Air Lines, we certainly have good news to share with the media and traveling public during the week," stated Senator Chastanet.

Renowned chefs Bobo Bergstrom of The Edge Restaurant in Rodney Bay and culinary entrepreneur Chef John-Conrad Ste. Marthe, who was featured in the New York Times last fall, will tantalize taste buds at two New York City department stores. Chef Conrad will display his mastery of local cuisine before scores of onlookers at Macy's Herald Square on Thursday, June 10 from 6 to 7 p.m., while Chef Bobo will be featured at Bloomingdale's (59th Street & Lexington Avenue) on Saturday, June 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Caribbean Week in New York, which takes place during Caribbean American Heritage Month as proclaimed by United States President Barack Obama, is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, culture and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean. Tourism officials, the media, artists, performers, celebrity chefs, sponsors and strategic partners are set to converge on New York for a week of Caribbean and Saint Lucian hospitality as well as special vacation offers.

For further information, visit www.caribbeanweekny.com.

For information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1 (888) 4-STLUCIA, or visit www.saintlucianow.com.


About Saint Lucia
One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.