Grenada targeting record visitor numbers next year
James ChappleGrenada is targeting record visitor numbers next year, with new tourism minister Lennox Andrews pledging to pursue sustainable growth in visitation to the tri-island state.
Andrews said it was vital the Caribbean destination’s ambitions to boost visitation by 25% were backed up by a clear sustainability agenda that would protect biodiversity and supports local communities.
Some 25,673 visitors came to Grenada in 2019, just shy of record figures from 2011. The island, though, is forecasting visitation in the region of 32,000 next year.
New hotels, including new Six Senses and Intercontinental properties, will drive growth according to Grenada’s tourism authority, along with increased airlift.
Andrews said the government was focused on sustainability and resilience measures to ensure the Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique can ope with increased tourism demand, including diverting 10% of the country’s tourism budget into community projects.
Efforts include banning polystyrene and single-use plastics such as shopping backs, plastic utensils, plates, straws and cups.
“We have a duty to ensure higher visitor numbers are accompanied by a clear, sustainable approach to protecting our islands and the marine life around them," said Andrews.
"We’re delighted so many more people are choosing to visit one of the most beautiful areas of the Caribbean and we are determined to ensure the experience they have is as sustainable as it possibly can be.”
Grenada’s sustainability credentials are further underpinned by a biodiversity strategy and action plan, a national climate change policy and climate resistance pilot programme, and sustainable land management policy.
The island has also applied to Unesco to have the historic Saint George district and fortified system designated cultural world heritage sites.
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