Yachting
This is a successful approach as Donnelon reveals that at least 50% of CN guests today were here two summers ago, and they are returning every single year. “ When a mega yachts comes into Grenada and uses it as a base, it’s a substantial impact to the economy. It’s not uncommon for one yacht to spend over EC$100,000, in a matter of days, purchasing everything from fuel to flowers.” Speaking of the future Donnelan offers “Customs & Immigration needs to be electronic so that boats can pay online to enter St. Vincent, and skip the clear out/ in process in Grenada or Carriacou. With this streamlined process Customs and Immigration would be able to anticipate arrivals, and with some of these boats having up to 50 crew that would be a collection of revenue in advance straight into the treasury” According to Donnelon The Marine and Yachting Assoc. of Grenada (MAYAG) is pushing for this new legislation. ever had.” During the week long event, over 1 million EC dollars was spent on the island. The Oyster Regatta will return to Grenada in 2013. Estimates put average per head daily yacht spend at 3 to 4 times per head more than cruise ship passengers. Yacht owners have few time constraints, and are more likely to visit many different sites across the island, thus benefitting a wider cross section of society. CN has 22 employees working specifically for the Marina, additionally over 100 are employed in the Marina Village, and another 300 work with Port Louis indirectly. “I must say we have a very loyal and dedicated workforce, who we in return, treat very well.” Donnelon concludes “It helps having a marina of this size and quality at this location.” And with room to expand up to 390 berths, BusinessGrenada concludes The Yachting industry in Grenada remains one of the nations brightest jewels.
Port Louis Marina who host the island’s largest regatta “Grenada Sailing Week” continues to pursue other quality events that match their own high end brand. The prestigious “Grenada Oyster Regatta” was held for the first time in April 2011. “The Oyster Committee excels at producing very high end regattas the best of everything”, claims Donnelan and “after the regatta we received a letter from them saying this was probably the most organized event they have
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