Conferencing
The Grenadian by Rex Resorts
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oleman Redhead, the events and marketing manager at The Grenadian by Rex Resorts sees Grenada having a competitive edge in an emerging market
“A lot of things come down to price, our hotel rates here in Grenada are definitely reasonable. We see Grenada as a new destination for business meetings. If you keep having a meeting in the same place, people tend to get bored with the destination. So why not give Grenada a try?” The Rex is a beachfront property situated on a large piece of property that has the ability to cater to both corporate guests that can enjoy their conference without being inconvenienced by the leisure guests and they in turn don’t feel like they’re in a conference hotel. Redhead explains. “This is a benefit for us and that’s why we are getting a lot of Caricom and UN meetings here. Local and regional companies are finding the Rex more as a one stop meeting destination. With an 80% leisure 20% business occupancy split at the moment, the management focus is on the corporate visitor; specific focus will be on growing meetings, conferences and corporate incentive groups. “I definitely feel there is a market in Grenada for expansion into the corporate hospitality sector.” This hotel executive believes the significance of The Grenadian by Rex Resorts goes deeper than just another “pretty hotel in the Caribbean”. Redhead shares a more holistic, nationalist view. “This property is a keystone of the national tourism product of Grenada. One, it provides a lot of room inventory in Grenada and secondly it provides an important lead in product. Grenada has a diverse amount of hotels with a large volume of rooms in the 3 ½ star area, which is us
(Rex) and then there’s the more boutique hotels which sit at the 5 star plus, I think that Grenada suffers because it has nothing in between.” This thinking is at the center of plans for an upgrade of the hotel’s facilities, that will refurbish the property and move it up to a 4 star plus. Upgrading service in areas has already begun with their new executive chef providing new banquet menus with a greater variety.
all adds up to a better experience for our guests and a big boost to the economy.” The sheer size of the property’s room inventory (212 rooms), allows flights like Virgin Atlantic & British Airways to come into Grenada. “They know we have a number of rooms to market & fill and if they can’t put “bums on seats” then there will be a lot less profitable incentive for them to service this destination. Airlines look forward to us having the SGU (St George’s University) conference every year because it attracts participants from all over the world and flights are full from those guests.” The Grenadian by Rex opened in 1994 and is part of the successful Rex Resorts chain of hotels worldwide, that include properties in St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Tobago, and Kenya. It’s a stunning location with two beaches, three restaurants, well trained staff that are courteous offering first class accommodation and conferencing facilities, with free wireless in every room.
Prince Andrew, on his last visit to Grenada, stayed here
Although Grenadian by Rex Resorts is also a very popular choice for that perfect “Caribbean Wedding”, Redhead says their emphasis will remain on pushing Grenada as a business destination. “We offer great access to the nearby airport, public transportation, private taxis, and have great amenities, which www.businessgrenada.com
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