By
Alice Chambers |
Cruise port operator Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of St Lucia to manage cruise port operations on the Caribbean island for 30 years, with the potential of a 10-year extension option.
GPH plans to renovate the island’s cruise port facilities as part of the agreement, including the expansion of the existing berth in Point Seraphine, which will dock Oasis class ships. It also aims to improve the retail experience for passengers by redeveloping the Vendor’s Arcade and other facilities at Castries.
The port operator has also committed to increasing the economic benefits available to locals in St Lucia, by investing in facilities both in and around the port, such as Fisherman’s Village, and encouraging passengers to explore and spend more money onshore.
The agreement also aims to increase passenger volumes in St Lucia, from approximately 790,000 in 2019 to over one million per year.
Both parties will work to sign the full concession agreement by summer 2023.