The town of Soufriere marked a momentous occasion as it welcomed the first cruise ships to its newly developed ports. The arrival of the vessels Ilma and Villa Vie Odyssey on Saturday signaled a significant milestone for the community.
As is traditional, there was a plaque exchange ceremony aboard the Ilma to commemorate its inaugural call.
Soufriere MP Emma Hippolyte highlighted the transformative benefits of cruise tourism for the constituency, “I’m excited and even when I walked in, the taxi drivers are saying, “bagay bon”. So it is saying that they are happy- we are happy. It is extremely important for us to welcome new vessels into the port. And the information we’ve had is about 60, we expect about 60 boats to be in the Soufriere Harbour. I believe that every area will benefit.”
The enhancement of Soufriere’s port facilities is part of the larger “2024 Year of Infrastructure” initiative, underpinned by a 30-year agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and London based company, Global Ports Holding (GPH).
This partnership has enabled extensive upgrades, including the repair and expansion of existing piers and the addition of new tender jetties at Baron’s Drive, doubling berthing capacity for smaller vessels.
In 2023, GPH had also announced its plans to construct an amphitheater to create a unique cultural experience for visitors. Further contributions include safety equipment for the Soufriere Marine Management Association.
The successful docking of Ilma and Villa Vie Odyssey has not only showcased Soufriere’s readiness to host global visitors but also solidified its position as a hub for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry.
