Sekou Stroude, Director of Sales, Canada for the Grenada Tourism Authority
Visitors to Grenada can experience a beach, a waterfall, a river, and go hiking in the most pristine of rainforests, all in one day with minimal travel time, says Sekou Stroude, Director of Sales, Canada for the Grenada Tourism Authority in this edition of Friday 5.
1. The travel industry thinks of Grenada as ‘The Spice Island’, when in fact these days ‘The Spice Islands of the Caribbean’ refers to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Is Grenada marketing itself more with the two smaller islands these days and why is that making a positive difference in the marketing message?
“We are indeed focusing on Grenada as a tri-island state- including our sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This is an added value for us as visitors can experience three different islands in one trip, hence our message of ‘3 Islands, 1 Unique Destination’. Each island has something different to offer and all represent the authentic Caribbean so it’s an even more saturated experience for our visitors.”
2. What makes Grenada unique and special in the Caribbean?
“Grenada is one of the last authentic Caribbean destinations. Our culture is well preserved and very evident to our visitors. Our people are the friendliest in the Caribbean, this is widely known. And we have the added advantage of many experiences within a small area. Our visitors can experience a beach, a waterfall, a river, and go hiking in the most pristine of rainforests all in one day with minimal travel time.
“In addition we have amazing diving in Grenada and Carriacou, with year-round warm waters, the largest wreck dive in the Caribbean, lots of marine protected areas with stunning biodiversity and, most importantly, all dive sites are within a 20 minute boat ride from shore – a huge plus for our divers!”
3. What’s the latest tourism news on Grenada?
“We are excited to welcome a new Kimpton hotel, Kawana Bay, as well as SilverSands Grenada, both situated on our famous Grand Anse Beach.
“Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club has also recently debuted their gorgeous new suites, so there’s a lot of new room stock to look forward to.
“In addition several new attractions have recently come on stream, including the Grenada High Wire, a canopy obstacle course and zip line in the rainforest, and a great new culinary tour called Savor de Spice, where guests can experience all of the amazing local flavours of Grenada.
“SunHunters also offers new dune buggy tours through untouched rainforests and remote beaches. It’s definitely an attraction for the adventurous.”
4. With Irma and Maria this has been a very tough hurricane season for the Caribbean. What do you want travel agents and vacationers to know about Grenada’s status?
“Because Grenada is below the hurricane belt, we were very fortunate to be completely unaffected by any storms this season. It’s business as usual in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”
5. How important are travel agents to Grenada’s marketing efforts and do you offer any industry perks to help travel agents better understand and sell Grenada product?
“Travel agents are beyond important to our marketing efforts – they are our lifeblood. We appreciate our agents and will soon be launching a Grenada specialist program where they can learn more and earn rewards. GTA Canada will also be focusing more on hosting agent fam trips in 2018, as well as educational events for agents.”
