Saint Lucia launches extended stay programme encouraging travellers to visit for longer

‘If they stay longer, travellers get to roam locally, decompress from a year of lockdowns and also work remotely,’ says tourism minister

St Lucia (Simon Calder)

Saint Lucia has launched a new extended stay programme encouraging travellers to stay for six weeks.

The Caribbean Island is targeting British tourists with the Live It campaign, which pairs holidaymakers with an “island specialist” to make the most of their trip.

During their longer stay, Live It participants will receive weekly itineraries curated by their personal guide and tailored to suit their interests.

“Live It is launching at a time when interest in international travel is renewed in our key markets of the US, Canada and the UK,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dominic Fedee.

“We are looking forward to welcoming back more visitors when their restrictions ease.

“In a shorter visit, travellers are limited to a few activities but if they stay longer, they get to roam locally, decompress from a year of lockdowns and also work remotely.

“With so many things to explore safely in Saint Lucia paired with the demand for extended holidays, we created this immersive programme so visitors can live like a local, while feeling like a member of the family.”

Sample itineraries include a “Culinary Exploration”, where participants learn authentic cooking traditions of the island, which include British, French, East Indian, European and African influences.

As part of its stringent Covid protocols, Saint Lucia currently requires that all international visitors – barring those from certain “travel bubble” destinations with extremely low coronavirus rates – stay at a Covid-certified resort or hotel for the first two weeks of their stay.

After the first 14 days on island, Live It programme participants will receive a bracelet that identifies them as long-stay visitors; starting on day 15, they are free to explore the island while observing standard Covid protocols such as physical distancing and wearing a mask in public places.

Arrivals must also complete a Pre-Arrival registration form and provide proof of a negative PCR test taken seven days or less before travel to Saint Lucia.

Holidaymakers can apply for the Live It programme for by completing an online form.

Last year, a number of island destinations announced they were launching remote working visas to attract visitors from around the world to stay for a year.

Barbados, Bermuda, and Antigua and Barbuda all introduced the schemes aimed at digital nomads.

International leisure travel is currently illegal in England until 17 May at the earliest.