Grenada tourism officials were in Toronto to highlight the destination’s attractions from underwater sculptures and chocolate festivals to its sister islands
Grenada tourism authorities are inviting tourists to befriend locals during their vacations, something they say is remarkably easy.
Randall Dolland, chairman of the board directors of of the Grenada Tourist Authority, told a Sept. 29 Toronto gathering that those who visit his island will have “some of the most friendly people in the Caribbean hosting you… We want to have you immersed in the community,” while speaking to a group that gathered at a Toronto cooking school for a lunch prepared by an ex-patriate Grenadian chef who has a Grenadian restaurant in Ajax, Ont.
Skeou Stroude, who oversees the tourist authority’s Canadian office, in turn told the event that it’s not “uncommon to see someone (who’s vacationing in Grenada) on someone’s verandah, having a drink,” something he said underscores his destination’s welcoming nature.
Tourism authorities say Grenada is a particularly safe destination, enabling tourists to explore it on their own.
Tourism authorities are upbeat about Grenada’s Canadian tourism prospects, with Air Canada offering year-round service to it from Toronto. Air Canada is adding a third weekly flight as of Nov. 16, with that service then operating Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays through May 2.
WestJet is also scheduled to resume its seasonal Toronto service Dec. 13. It will run through April 23.
Dolland said his homeland isn’t “overdeveloped” tourismwise and is committed to ensuring that tourism proves worthwhile for both visitors and locals.
He listed a number of attributes awaiting those visiting Grenada, including the “clearest, cleanest water,” the world’s first underwater sculpture park, opportunities to swim with turtles and numerous festivals, including one revolving around chocolate.
“Grenada does not disappoint,” Dolland said.
Grenada is proud of its chocolate trade and its production of nutmeg and other spices, referring to itself as the Spice Island.
Grenada has also begun work on a 250-room hospital that will partner with New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, with the latter recognized as one of the world’s premier hospitals. That partnership will enable Grenada to make inroads in the medical tourism market, Dolland said.
Upcoming tourism developments include the InterContinental Grenada Resort & Spa’s opening in November. The beachfront resort will feature five restaurants and bars, a spa, fitness centre, pool and beach club, plus more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
Among those on hand for the Grenada lunch were Randall Dolland, Grenada Tourist Authority; chef Fred Alexander, founder of the Nutmeg Creole Kitchen restaurant; Jerry Grymek, LMA Digital; and Sekou Stroude, Grenada Tourist Authority.
The Grenada Flower & Garden Festival will run Nov. 8–15 and celebrate Grenada’s gardens, tropical flowers, food, culture and nature. The inaugural event includes garden and estate tours, the Flower Show & Marketplace, workshops, culinary and wellness experiences and family activities. There is also a National Beautification Competition involving communities, schools and businesses across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Tourism authorities say Grenada’s sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are figuring more prominently in tourism, no longer simply seen as day trips from Grenada. The new Lobster & Lambie Festival and the Dive & Conservation Festival both deliberately put the islands at the centre of tourism programming, while new accommodation investment is also being discussed to address limited room inventory.
Meanwhile, chef Fred Alexander, founder of Ajax’s Nutmeg Creole Kitchen, told the Toronto event that he’s eager to familiarize Canadians with Grenadian cuisine.
“I feel really delighted to represent my country,” he stated.
