Conditional support for St. Lucia licensing regime

The new President of the St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Anthony Bowen is supporting a drive by the Tourism Ministry to introduce licences for local hotels.



The measure was announced recently by Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet as part of initiatives to improve visitor safety and enhance the local tourism product.



But although he’s in support of the initiative Mr Bowen still has some reservations.



He wants the St Lucia Tourist Board to be kept out of the licensing process.



Mr Bowen said he doesn’t support the ministry or the tourist board getting involved in categorizing hotels.



Instead, Mr Bowen said he prefers the use of international rating standards.