The latest statistical tables released by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) show that the Caribbean has recorded a rise in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2014, and that Grenada, at a rate of 18.6%, has recorded the highest increase in tourist arrivals among the popular tourist destinations.
Of this achievement, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Alexandra Otway–Noel, said, “Based on the recent significant growth statistics in tourism, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who participates in delivering our tourism product, to our guests. Team Grenada (and by that I mean every Grenadian and friend of our lovely islands) should be very proud of our accomplishments thus far. Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are absolutely paradise. We continue to strive for excellence and to ensure we all understand the role we play in providing a top of the line experience to our guests.
I am indeed very proud of the staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Grenada Airports Authority, the Grenada Tourism Authority, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, our restaurants, bars and clubs, the Dive Association, the Grenada Marine and Yachting Association, the Taxi Association, our tour operators, our Police and security companies, the media, our vendors, our ambassadors, diaspora, and all of you who take pride in this magnificent place. Our government continues to push the limits as we work together to ensure that our nation and all who call her home, succeed.”
This week, the tourism minister is to attend the 22nd Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Level Authorities of Tourism, in Barbados. Organised by the Organization of American States (OAS) under the theme ‘Tourism Competitiveness – An Essential Element for Sustainability’ the congress runs from 3–4 September.
The two-day session serves as a platform for exchange of experiences and best practices to strengthen communication between government agencies and the private sector, and to consider technical cooperation proposals to support member states in their efforts to develop the tourism sector.
Discussions will surround topics such as:
- Measuring competitivness: Price versus non-price factors in Tourism
- The importance of Tourism Infrastructure
- Tourism and Inter-sectorial linkages
- Sustainable Destination Management.
