Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Recognizes Travel Trade Excellence at Global Piton Awards
by Bruce Parkinson
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) celebrated the achievements of its top-performing travel advisors and tour operators from around the world at the 6th Annual Global Piton Awards.
The Global Piton Awards program is one of the destination’s premier travel trade recognition initiatives, honouring travel professionals whose dedication, expertise and passion for selling Saint Lucia have contributed significantly to the island’s tourism success.
This year’s awards recognized 34 outstanding travel advisors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean, who generated the highest number of room nights for the destination during the 2025 calendar year.
“Each booking you make represents far more than a vacation. It supports jobs, businesses and communities across Saint Lucia,” said Honourable John Paul Estaphane, Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Commerce, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage.
“Your efforts directly contribute to the livelihoods of thousands of Saint Lucians and help sustain one of the most important sectors of our economy. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment to our island.”
The Minister also highlighted Saint Lucia’s continued community tourism growth, expanding hotel inventory, enhanced airlift and growing portfolio of events and experiences, encouraging advisors to continue elevating the destination in their respective markets.
The 2026 Global Piton Award Winners from Canada:
Phillip Newton Bastiampillai – Travelair Inc.
Kim Hartlen – Kim Hartlen Travel-Trevello
Lois Barbour – Travel Time Agency
Jennifer Gaskell – Pink Palm Travel
Alicia DaSilva – Luxe Destination Weddings
The evening also recognized outstanding individual achievements through several prestigious special awards. Lois Barbour of Travel Time Agency in St. John’s NL won the CEO Award (Canada).
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority says travel advisors remain among the destination’s most influential advocates.
“Through strategic partnerships, ongoing training and engagement programs such as the Global Piton Awards, Saint Lucia remains committed to empowering travel professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully promote the destination,” the SLTA said in a statement.
