ST GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Grenada is seeking to promote itself as a year-round cruise destination, and is also trying to secure additional employment for Grenadians on tourist vessels.
The country continues to benefit from record numbers of cruise ship arrivals during the winter period; but tourism officials are currently meeting with decision-makers in the United States in an effort to attract increased calls during the summer months.
A delegation, headed by Tourism Minister Peter David, is attending the annual SeaTrade Summit in Miami, Florida.
Grenada’s participation is critical in ensuring year-round employment for people working in the local tourism sector, the minister said in an interview in St George’s prior to his departure for the four-day Miami meeting.
“While we boast of satisfactory cruise arrivals during the winter season, it is essential that we embrace every opportunity to improve on the number of calls during the summer months,” he emphasised. “That is the only way we can guarantee continued employment – by making Grenada a year-round destination for cruise ship calls.’’
Should government’s attempts succeed, it would be welcomed by tourism partners, including taxi-drivers and vendors, who have been clamouring for many years for more off-season visits by tourist liners.
The SeaTrade Summit, from March 13 - 17, is the world’s most important and largest annual meeting for the cruise industry.
David and his team are also using the meeting to explore opportunities for jobs for Grenadians wishing to be employed on cruise ships.
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