Tourism minister welcomes new direct flight to France

CASTRIES (CMC):

Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet on Tuesday welcomed the introduction of the first direct flight between St Lucia and France, and tourism officials said it provides entry into a market that the island had been pursuing for the past few years.

"Getting to St Lucia from France this winter has never been easier with the advent of a new charter service operated by two major French tour operators, Karavel and NG Group," Chastanet said, noting that the new weekly charter service would continue until April this year.

"This flight is the first non-stop service being offered from mainland France, with departures from Paris Roissy Airport to Hewanorra International before heading onto Isla-Marguerita and returning to Paris. The flight's capacity is 354 seats with 110 dedicated to St Lucia each week," he added.

Increasing demand

Director of Tourism Louis Lewis, said the service demonstrates increasing demand for the destination from France, which he said has been "a market which we have been pursuing for the last few years".

"We boldly signalled our commitment to the French market when we opened a French office two years ago and have realised steady increases ever since. The flight also provides French travellers an easier alternative for getting to the island."

From January to November 2010 stay-over arrivals from France totalled 5,145 representing a 7.2 per cent increase over the same period in 2009.

Over the last three years, arrivals from France have increased steadily and hotels here have been involved in a campaign to lure more French visitors to the island.