Gay Nagle Myers

Grenada doesn’t have to invent attractions or experiences for visitors, according to Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority.

“We already have them,” said Roach. “We want to share it. We want our visitors to experience our country, our people, our local markets, our waters – and not just our resorts. Grenada has so much potential and we have to reach it if we don’t. “

A number of new programs that include Grenadier-Visitor interactions will be launched shortly. The Flavors of Grenada Culinary Camp, for example, caters to both local children and visiting children.

“Children will go to farms, learn more about the crops grown and where the food comes from, take a cooking class from one of our island chefs, and then enjoy what they have made and cooked,” said Roach.

The sessions last half a day and cost between $ 40 and $ 50 for island visitors; The plan is to charge minimal or no fee for local children. Other options, in addition to the farming and cooking classes, include trips to the mangroves, swimming trips, exploring the fauna and flora, visits to Rasta communities, cocoa farms, and sugar cane fields.

“There is a great connection between the agriculture and tourism sectors in Grenada and we want our visitors to feel that connection,” said Roach. “Local guides will be with each group. They have been creative with their suggestions of where to go and what to do.”

Covid has brought challenges with it, according to Roach. Grenada was one of the first tourist destinations to require vaccinations from its adult visitors. In addition, a negative Covid test is required before departure, another on arrival, followed by a 48-hour quarantine until the test result.

“We are a small country made up of the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with a population of 112,000. We take our health and safety very seriously, both for ourselves and for our visitors,” said Roach.

Less than 25% of the total population is fully vaccinated, although nearly 80% of hotel workers have been vaccinated as part of Grenada Pure Safe Travel’s health and safety protocols.

A recent surge in cases has resulted in a delay in schools reopening, the move to restrict restaurants to snack-only services, and a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. according to NowGrenada.com.

Turning to Festive Season, the main winter season, Roach said the forecasts are strong in part because of the expanded airlift from American and JetBlue from major U.S. gateways.

Grenada’s inventory includes around 2,400 rooms, and two more resorts will be added in the fall.

The all inclusive Royalton Grenada Resort, a member of the Royalton Luxury Resorts portfolio, will reopen October 1st with 269 rooms, reservation-free dining in la carte restaurants and an introductory offer starting at $ 168 per person per night in a double room through October 31st.

Also on October 1st the 64 suite, all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort will greet guests. Travel Agents can earn 15% commission on customer reservations through December 20, 2021 for stays through December 20, 2022.