Island is promoted as an 'inclusive' part of the world
IAN STALKER
Grenada tourism authorities are cheerfully bucking the all-inclusive trend that has surfaced on many Caribbean islands in recent decades.
Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, told a recent Toronto gathering that her island only has three all-inclusive properties, a marked contrast to many other parts of the region.
“That’s not who we are as a destination,” she said of all-inclusives, adding that Grenada should instead be seen as an “inclusive destination” where people are encouraged to leave their resorts and tour what she labelled a very safe destination, dining in local restaurants while doing so.
Tourism authorities are upbeat about the coming winter season, in part because of additional airlift. Air Canada plans to boost its current weekly Toronto-Grenada service to two flights a week in November. Beginning Nov. 3, WestJet will launch a new weekly direct flight from Toronto to Grenada until April 27.
Grenada saw around 120,000 visitors in the first half of this year, with Canadians accounting for about 13,000 of them.
Tourism authority chairman Randall Dolland said those who choose Grenada for a vacation won’t find massive resorts and crowded beaches.
“It’s a destination that’s off the beaten path…,” he said. “You can have an entire beach for yourself.”
A Grenada vacation will “rejuvenate your soul,” Dolland added.
Sekou Stroude, who oversees the tourist authority’s Canadian office, acknowledged there are a lot of people in this country who haven’t yet visited his homeland.
Among tourism attributes listed by Stroude were beaches that are “second to none,” and diving opportunities that include the largest wreck in the Caribbean and an underwater sculpture park divers can explore.
Grenada also produces chocolate and May sees a chocolate festival, he continued, adding the island is “chocolate heaven.”
Grenada even “smells good,” thinks to fragrant spices produced there, Stroude added of a destination that uses the tourism tag line “The Spice of the Caribbean.”
Stroud also said that those vacationing on the island will find that locals will “go above and beyond” to ensure that visitors enjoy their stays.
Meanwhile, Roach said Grenada — much of which is covered with rainforest — is a particularly scenic part of the world.
“I honestly wake up every day and think I’m in heaven,” she stated.
