Tourism
Tourism
The three islands of Grenada attract 385,000 visitors per year for leisure , business , study , weddings and honeymoons . Tourism is a year-round business that relies on natural , manmade and human resources to create an experience that contributes EC $ 338M annually to the economy . Pictureperfect views , tasty treats , pulsating rhythms , great conversations , and a fascinating heritage are big business for Grenada , Carriacou & Petite Martinique .
The United States of America continues to be the largest source market for tourists . In June 2015 , the Grenada Tourism Authority ( GTA ) welcomed Delta Airlines ’ Atlanta service and for the very first time , JetBlue Airways with its New York service . As a result of this additional airlift , in July , there were over a thousand more Americans visiting the tri-island state than in July 2014 . The two-week period surrounding the climax of Spicemas saw about 8,000 persons travelling to experience the second of two annual carnivals , an increase of 11.9 % from 2014 .
November marked the return of Condor Airlines ’ seasonal flight service from Germany and the first nonstop flight from Caracas , Venezuela in 10 years provided by Conviasa . The cruise sector has also seen improvements with a total of 232 cruise calls for the season beginning September 2015 and ending May 2016 . This winter cruise season expects up to 344,000 passengers and more than 10 ( ten ) inaugural cruise calls to ports in Grenada and Carriacou .
During the year , the GTA and its tourism stakeholders engaged in direct public relations in the USA , Canada , the United Kingdom , Germany , and Trinidad & Tobago through destination road shows , travel agent seminars & webinars , and media appearances . Some memorable events included April ’ s travel agent and consumer show in Trinidad ; June ’ s 3-county road show in London ; and September ’ s sales calls to travel agents and tour operators in Ontario , Canada .
Digital marketing is still a mainstay in the
Stayover Arrival
Performance by Market
GTA ’ s marketing strategies . Captivating content online featuring Grenadian lifestyle and attractions influences potential travellers to book . The destination , Pure Grenada – the Spice of the Caribbean has an online presence
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2016 promises continued growth and development for the tourism sector . There is an anticipated increase in cruise business , new airlift from Panama , and further development of sites and attractions
“ with a quality following of 30,000 on social media ( Twitter , Instagram , Facebook ) and a website that guides travellers on events and activities in Grenada , Carriacou & Petite Martinique .
In 2015 , the Grenada Tourism Authority sought to develop the skillsets within tourism enterprises at Grand Anse beach , the most visited attraction in Grenada . Eighty ( 80 ) entrepreneurs of the Grand Anse Spice and Craft Market and beach zone received a nine-module training programme that focused on communication skills , selfmanagement , decision-making , conflict resolution , emotional intelligence , work ethics and more . While eleven ( 11 ) water sports operators of Grand Anse developed skills in first aid response and CPR administration for infants and adults ; bandaging wounds ; and emergence care . Twenty ( 20 ) craft-makers partook in a regional craft enhancement and business support training that aimed to develop and diversify the craft and gift sectors .
The directors , management and staff of the Grenada Tourism Authority have a vested interest in cultivating a tourism culture in Grenada , Carriacou & Petite Martinique . This was exemplified in the hosting of the GTA ’ s very first open day in observance of Caribbean Tourism Month in November and the various career presentations to primary and secondary school students throughout the year . During tourism month , the GTA launched its Pure Talk video series that builds awareness of the tourism sector that can be seen on local television stations and on the GTA ’ s Facebook and YouTube pages .
2016 promises continued growth and development for the tourism sector . There is an anticipated increase in cruise business , new airlift from Panama , and further development of sites and attractions . The first ever Pure Grenada Music Festival on the 5th to 10th April 2016 promises to attract much attention and become a staple tourism product for the Spice Isle . Sport fanatics can also expect an exciting year with the staging of the CONCACAF Under-17 Women ’ s Championship and 45th Carifta Games in March 2016 .
The Grenada Tourism Authority continues to market and promote Grenada , Carriacou , and Petite Martinique as the premier tropical , geotourism destination .
BG
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