The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) invited 14 UK tour operators to Grenada to participate in a dynamic and experiential tour operator travel symposium and marketplace, from 10-17 November and were hosted by the Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa.
This symposium is the first of its kind to be held in Grenada and is part of the new tourism thrust to reignite the local tourism industry, relaunch Grenada as the new ‘it’ destination and highlight the authentic features that the tri-island state has to offer.
The GTA team curated a robust schedule of activities which included participation in a voluntourism tree planting project at the Grenada Botanical Gardens.
Many of the local land and sea tours and signature activities were promoted with visits to waterfalls, dive excursions, guided nature hikes, river tubing, kayaking and all manner of land and sea landmark sites were visited.
The major highlight of the tour operators visit was the exhibition cricket match held at the national stadium on Sunday, 14 November between the Windward Volcanoes and the Grenada Eleven. In conjunction with the Grenada National Stadium and the Grenada Cricket Association, the UK tour operators were treated to Grenada’s favourite pastime. They were greeted by the sounds of live steelpan music, an authentic Grenadian brunch with local foods and delicacies served, Spicemas costumes on display, dancing and friendly faces all while watching an exciting cricket match on the field.
This exhibition match gave the tour operators the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the full match-day experience as Grenada prepares to host the 3rd test match between England and the West Indies in March 2022.
The UK market is particularly important to Grenada, representing close to 20% of the market share, with stays averaging 12 days. CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority Petra Roach is thrilled at the turnout and the execution of the travel symposium stating, “This up-close view of Grenada as a destination allows for an authentic connection between salesperson and product. The ability to speak to clients about a personal and first-hand travel experience can make a world of difference when it comes to choosing a vacation destination. Our team and all stakeholders worked hard to ensure Grenada left a lasting mark on the minds of the tour operators.”
The marketplace is timely as the destination prepares to welcome visitors for the upcoming winter season.
GTA
I’m from the uk and I’ve been coming every year , covid years exempt, for 16 years .
We stayed at the Rex , now the royalton . As a result of this “ it “ policy we have been priced out , the royaltons escalation in prices is one example of many . We came to Grenada for the people mainly. We spent our money in local shops , restaurants and particularly with local vendors .
The clientele Keith Mitchell wants are wealthy young couples and retirees who are mainly confined to all inclusive hotels and organised tours
They’re generally wealthy due to not being familiar with parting with money .Grenada will end up a sunshiny destination in concrete paradise with little or no benefits to local people .
Typical Grenada…Why is this news now. This is something that took place over one week now. Have we nothing better, up to date or before the event take place to report??
We came to visit Grenada because it was NOT THE IT DESTINATION!!! You wipe out all the natural Caribbean charm when you OVER DEVELOP small islands and destroy the unique environment we come to see. HOTELS are NOT AN ATTRACTION!!! Your flora and fauna ARE! Your rainforest are!!
Why on earth don’t you properly RESTORE the botanical garden to their previous glory before the stupid government buildings destroyed it. !!??
The botanical gardens IS NOT the location for this kind of public relations gimmic tree planting, who gives a crap about foreign travel agents planting trees?? You want them to plant, plant food for the country and make a difference.