SLTA assures safety following US Embassy advisory on Ladera Resort

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has issued a formal reassurance regarding visitor safety at Ladera Resort, directly countering a recent security advisory from the US Embassy in Bridgetown. The diplomatic alert, published February 4th, had recommended US government personnel avoid the property due to potential security risks.

The embassy’s warning specifically cited concerns that ‘crime may pose a serious risk to guest safety’ and questioned the resort’s emergency response capabilities. The advisory noted the hotel’s location on Saint Lucia’s southern terminus, just outside the picturesque port town of Soufrière.

In its detailed response released Tuesday, the SLTA contextualized the embassy’s concerns within a limited series of robberies that occurred during a specific period in late 2025. These incidents were confined to the island’s southwestern region and have since been comprehensively addressed through coordinated security enhancements.

According to the tourism authority, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force treated these criminal activities with utmost priority, conducting thorough investigations that resulted in multiple arrests and criminal charges. Beginning December 2025, the SLTA convened urgent stakeholder meetings that led to implemented security reinforcements throughout the affected area.

The authority emphasized that since these corrective measures were enacted, no further disruptions to visitor experiences have been recorded. Tourism operations continue uninterrupted across the island nation. The SLTA reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to maintaining its status as a secure and hospitable destination, where the welfare of both residents and visitors remains the highest priority.

Ongoing collaboration between tourism officials, national authorities, and industry partners ensures that robust safety protocols remain actively enforced, allowing all visitors to enjoy the island’s offerings with complete confidence and peace of mind.