Castries, Saint Lucia – September 12, 2025 – Saint Lucia Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), has announced a landmark 30-year concession agreement with the Government of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), signaling one of the most ambitious investments in the island’s cruise tourism sector to date.
Backed by a minimum investment of EC$163 million, the project is designed to modernize cruise-related infrastructure while ensuring that all assets remain fully owned by the State of Saint Lucia under SLASPA’s oversight. The agreement commits EC$117 million toward transformative upgrades, including the Castries Waterfront Boardwalk, Jeremie Street Redevelopment, Banannes Fisherman’s Village, and the Soufrière Waterfront revamp.
These developments will bring scenic promenades, improved shopping and cultural experiences, modernized fishing and vending facilities, and a reimagined waterfront with spaces for artisans, eco-tour providers, and entrepreneurs. In addition, EC$46 million from the investment will go toward retiring SLASPA’s existing cruise infrastructure debt.
Despite the scale of investment, Saint Lucian authorities retain full control of key assets. The Vendors Arcade remains solely owned and managed by the Castries Constituency City Council, with all revenues flowing directly to the Council, while the Pointe Seraphine Duty-Free Complex remains under the management of Invest Saint Lucia. This model ensures that the local community, small businesses, and national institutions remain at the heart of the cruise tourism economy.
According to the Saint Lucia Cruise Port team, the agreement reflects a balance between international investment and national interest. “This partnership is about investing in people,” the company stated, noting its goal of creating long-term economic opportunities for Saint Lucians, improving visitor experiences, and ensuring the sustainability of the island’s tourism assets. The multi-phase projects are expected to generate significant job opportunities, stimulate entrepreneurship, and strengthen Saint Lucia’s global reputation as a premier cruise destination.
