St Lucia wants Olympic champion Alfred to become tourism ambassador
Published:Tuesday | September 3, 2024 | 12:12 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
St Lucia’s tourism sector is on the brink of an exciting new chapter as the island negotiates with one of its own, Olympic 100 metres champion Julien Alfred, to become the face of its tourism initiatives.
The island’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire, confirmed this during a press conference at the State of the Tourism Conference 2024 now on at the Westin Grand Cayman.
Alfred, born and raised in St Lucia, recently captured the world’s attention by winning the gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Paris Games. Her remarkable achievements on the track have not only elevated her to the status of a national hero but have also positioned her as a powerful ambassador for St Lucia on the global stage.
While the final details of the contractual agreement are still being ironed out, Dr Hilaire expressed unwavering confidence that Alfred will play a central role in promoting St Lucia in the coming years.
“You will see a lot of Julien in the years to come,” Dr Hilaire stated, underscoring how Alfred embodies the island’s spirit of resilience, personality, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Alfred’s journey from the small Caribbean island to Olympic glory is a narrative that resonates deeply with St Lucians and serves as a beacon of inspiration for many.
“St Lucia is a woman, and she has a woman as her ambassador,” the minister noted, highlighting how the current world’s fastest woman’s story mirrors the island’s own tale of perseverance and triumph.
Although specifics of her role are still under wraps, the minister hinted at innovative marketing strategies that will feature Alfred prominently in various events and promotional campaigns. These efforts aim to solidify St Lucia’s image as a vibrant and dynamic destination on the global stage.
The tourism minister also outlined broader plans for St Lucia’s lifeblood sector, with a strong emphasis on community-driven experiences.
“We want to promote a lot of the community and local experiences,” he emphasised, noting that ensuring equitable distribution of tourism benefits across the island is a top priority.
Among the standout projects is the development of an underwater sculpture park, designed to capture and celebrate key figures from St Lucia’s history and culture. The park will feature representations of the island’s heroes and heroines, including those from the slave uprising, the first chief minister, and Alfred herself. This unique attraction is expected to become a major draw for visitors, blending art, history, and tourism in a powerful way.
Sports development
In addition to her role in tourism, Alfred is set to make a significant impact on sports development in St Lucia, particularly for women and girls. The minister revealed plans for the construction of an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of the island’s sports infrastructure.
Alfred, through her foundation, will also support initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by young female athletes in St Lucia.
“Julien represents the fire and determination of a generation,” the minister remarked, highlighting her potential to inspire and uplift young athletes across the island. Alfred’s upcoming visit to St Lucia in September 2024 is expected to include school visits and other engagements designed to promote sports among young girls.
As St Lucia looks to the future, Julien Alfred’s involvement in both tourism and sports promises to infuse new energy into the island’s global image. Her story of perseverance, excellence, and triumph is not only a source of national pride but also a powerful narrative that will resonate with visitors from around the world.