Business
Saint Lucia Partners with Arsenal Football Club to Boost Tourism
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has announced a multi-year partnership with Arsenal Football Club, aiming to enhance tourism and showcase the island's culture globally starting in the 2026/27 season.
3 min read
Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
In a move set to blend the worlds of elite football and Caribbean luxury, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has officially announced a new, multi-year global partnership with Arsenal Football Club, making the island the club’s official destination partner.
The agreement, which kicks off at the start of the 2026/27 season, arrives at a time when both the Gunners and the island are riding waves of momentum.
Fresh off their triumphs as Premier League and Champions Cup winners, Arsenal will now carry the colours of Saint Lucia across the globe, delivering significant exposure for the Eastern Caribbean nation in key markets, including the United Kingdom, one of the island’s primary sources of visitors.
With a population of just over 180,500, Saint Lucia is already renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from the iconic volcanic Pitons to lush rainforests and golden sand beaches.
However, this partnership is about more than postcard-perfect scenery. It is a strategic push to harness Arsenal’s immense global fanbase, one of the largest in world sport, to drive tourism arrivals and showcase the island’s vibrant culture and heritage to millions of receptive supporters.
“We are entering an exciting term as Arsenal’s Official Destination Partner,” said Dr Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Investment, Commerce, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage. “As Premier League and Champions Cup champions, Arsenal begins the new season with momentum, while Saint Lucia continues to record strong visitor arrivals. This partnership is grounded in shared values of social responsibility, resilience and sustainability. We look forward to showcasing Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture, dynamic events calendar and natural beauty to Arsenal supporters worldwide.”
Beyond the boardroom and the pitch, the collaboration carries a profound social mandate. The agreement will support the development of an Academy Hub in Saint Lucia, creating mentorship and clear pathways for young local players to develop their talent and reach their full potential, fostering a sense of pride and belonging on the island.
On the commercial side, Saint Lucia will enjoy premium brand visibility at the Emirates Stadium, across Premier League matches, the Women’s Super League, and cup fixtures, reaching millions of viewers both in the stands and on screens worldwide.
The partnership also extends into Arsenal’s powerful digital ecosystem, ensuring the island’s “Let Her Inspire You” campaign will be amplified through both the men’s and women’s first teams, alongside supporter engagement initiatives and international promotions.
