On Our Radar: Relaxing in stunning Grenada

“We have so much to offer,” said Rudy Grant, chief executive of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “You can find more than 45 beaches, two carnivals, waterfalls, sulphur springs, a significant variety of flora and fauna, history and culture. Visitors are usually very surprised [by what they find].”

Visiting last month as part of the country’s second annual trade mission, Grant explained that as Grenada’s second biggest source market, the UK – and in particular the UK travel trade – remains a focus. “The UK is very important for us and that’s one of the reasons why we participate in this road show. [We ran] three evening sessions that were attended by agents, and it’s gone very well.” He added: “We’re working with a number of trade partners to ensure agents are fully educated and we are very committed to working with our partners through fams. It’s a constant element of what we do.”

Of all its features, Rudy noted how the compact size of the main island of Grenada is a big draw. “The proximity of rainforests to dive sites means visitors can do both activities even in the same morning,” he explained. And Sandals, he said, boasts of how in just nine minutes and 22 seconds guests will have been whisked from the arrivals lounge to its LaSource Grenada property, with a rum punch already in hand.

Grenada is the largest of all the seven islands that make up the country, but it’s still only the size of the Isle of Wight, with a population of just 110,000. It benefits from a choice location outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, meaning that unlike some of its neighbours,
the so-called Spice Isle can be considered a year-round destination.

Most of the nation’s hotel stock is concentrated in the main island of Grenada, Grant noted, and the majority of the hotels can be found in the island’s southern reaches.

While there are some larger properties, many are small, laid-back affairs. “Lots are boutique and family-owned,” he said. “At Spice Island Beach Resort every guest is welcomed by a member of the Hopkin family.” He added: “We don’t want to become a mass tourism destination. We want to grow in a sustainable way.”