15 August 2018
Mercury Fest is being celebrated as a huge success
By SLTA
(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The inaugural Mercury Fest staged by Epic Events and supported by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority on August 10 -11, 2018 at Pigeon Island, is being celebrated as a huge success.
Preliminary figures indicate that the event welcomed, at least, 2,288 foreign nationals from Martinique, France, the United States, Trinidad, Dominica, Guadeloupe, the UK, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, with the highest numbers coming from Martinique. Dominica, France and Guadeloupe also had significant representation at the beach event.
Visitors and owners of vessels carrying Mercury engines arrived ahead of the Mercury Fest event, headlined by French rapper and singer – Kalash and Jamaican deejay, singer and songwriter – Popcaan.
Minister responsible for Tourism, Hon. Dominic Fedee stated, “We are extremely pleased with the production of the first ever Mercury Fest. The event has exposed the enormous potential of such an activity. However, what we are most pleased about, as a government, is the direct economic benefit to the many Saint Lucians who were able to participate in the event. These opportunities did not exist previously.”
Hoteliers also benefitted from the inaugural Mercury Fest as rooms in the north of the island were sold out. Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA), Roderick Cherry said, “Mercury Fest is proving to be better than anticipated. Our members are commenting favorably on occupancy levels. We anticipate that this mega event will continue to develop into an annual staple on Saint Lucia’s calendar.”
Chief Marketing Officer at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority – Tiffany Howard echoed sentiments related to the positive economic impact of the festival.
“The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is pleased to be associated with Mercury Fest and the numbers speak volumes to the future of this event and its economic contribution to Saint Lucia. We look forward to further growth and development of this event as the Authority continues to support initiatives that will attract more visitors to our shores,” said Mrs. Howard.
Regional press from Martinique, Trinidad and Barbados attend the event and had the opportunity to meet with Hon. Fedee to discuss the dynamism of Saint Lucia’s Tourism product, as well as take in some of the offerings of the event.
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority looks forward to expanding its reach into the Caribbean region, North America and Europe for the next staging of Mercury Fest. It is all part of the SLTA’s efforts to position Saint Lucia as the experiential destination for visitors seeking to engage in Romance, Adventure, Dive, Health & Wellness, Family and Culinary.
