A bill will soon be introduced in Parliament that could radically transform the operational landscape of the local tourism Industry.

The Tourism Development Bill will strike at the heart of the historical structure of the industry, to now include more Saint Lucian participants and owners.

In what can be described as a people-centred policy, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire announced the decision. He said the historical tradition of giving incentives primarily to large hoteliers, will change.

“We believe as a government that the benefits of tourism should accrue to as many Saint Lucians as possible. We need to create a framework in the country where more Saint Lucians can participate and own the tourism industry. We need to move away from the notion that exists that tourism really belongs to a few and only a few benefit from it. This is why we put so much emphasis on community tourism and why we provide so much support for the Community Tourism Agency to help Saint Lucians invest in the tourism industry. The Tourism Development Bill will change the entire framework. As it stands now, the incentives legislation is primarily for accommodation.”

Describing the proposed legislation as monumental, Dr. Hilaire reiterated the importance of locals being active participants and owners of the industry.

“We are going to ensure that Saint Lucians at all levels get support so they can invest in a tourism industry and become owners of the tourism industry. The waterfalls, the beaches, the forests—all the attractions of Saint Lucia are the heritage of all Saint Lucians, and therefore, the people should benefit more from the tourism industry.”

The minister spoke at a press conference held last week. The policy shift will help make more Saint Lucians owners in the local tourism industry.