Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) Project Brief

Advancing Community-based Marine and Coastal Tourism in Laborie, Saint Lucia

On April 28, 2025, the Laborie Development Foundation (the Foundation) signed a grant agreement with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) for implementation of a project under the Blue Tourism Initiative (BTI) in the Caribbean entitled, Building Community-Based Coastal and Marine Tourism in Laborie, Saint Lucia.

Laborie’s tourism sector holds significant potential for growth through community-based tourism (CBT) and blue tourism initiatives that leverage its rich coastal and marine resources, and its social and cultural capital. The project aims to address multiple issues, particularly fragmented information on available services; the absence of coordinated marketing strategies that hinder the village’s ability to effectively showcase its marine and cultural assets, and the capacity to meet the growing demand for authentic and eco-conscious experiences while ensuring the long-term preservation of its natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Addressing these issues will ensure that tourism activities contribute not only to economic growth but also to environmental stewardship and sustainable development; and position Laborie to fully realise its potential as a vibrant hub for sustainable coastal and marine tourism. The BTI is co-funded by the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) and supported by Our Blue Future (GIZ), the World Bank, UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the project partners: IDDRI, eco-union, IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, CANARI and CORDIO. It will enable the Foundation to continue working in the direction of improving community tourism offerings, especially those reliant on marine and coastal resources, with the end goal of having an organised sector with a database of professional and reliable service providers.

Key project activities include:

Community Based Tourism Mapping and Database Management to Enhance the coordination and accessibility of tourism services by maintaining an updated database of accommodations, restaurants, and local tourism services.

Developing “Visitor Experience” Packages that are diverse and engaging and that showcase Laborie’s unique cultural and natural heritage that support community-based tourism.

MSME Cluster Development to include facilitating development of a cluster of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve innovation and efficiency in local tourism services.

Implementing a Marketing Strategy that involves revising the LDF 2020 Marketing Strategy, supporting its digitization; and ensuring that it is up-to-date, clear, consistent, and aligned with sustainable tourism goals to widen reach and improve engagement.

The implementation of the project will cost approximately XCD$262,000 over a 10-month period ending March 31, 2026. Overall, these investments are expected to advance community tourism in Laborie by:

• generating increased sustainable tourism revenue and enhanced environmental preservation.
• supporting improved visitor experiences.
• strengthening MSME capacity; and
• supporting coordinated marketing efforts.

For additional information contact

The Secretariat

Laborie Development Foundation

via telephone at (758) 455-9910.