TORONTO — The room was buzzing for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ‘Morning of Vincentian Fun & Flavours’ at The Boulevard Club in Toronto yesterday.

The Government of the State of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ newly-appointed Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Carlos James, was on hand for his first official visit to Canada in his role as Minister.

The Toronto event came after a stop in Ottawa the previous day.

“All the travel agents are buzzing, they’re excited about St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We’re really about sustainable tourism, and what we’re building on is a special product that is going to show the value of the cultural experience in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on top of the natural beauty,” said Minister James.

Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture – Government of the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

There is significant excitement about the new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, set to open in Saint Vincent on March 27, 2024 complete with over-water villas.

Bookings for the 301-room property opened just over two weeks ago and advanced sales are looking very strong so far. Almost 80% of keys are Club and Butler accommodations, with the rest being in the Luxury category.

“We’re so excited as a brand to be in Saint Vincent. One of the things that amazes us about this destination is that it’s all about sustainability, and we’re also embracing the local culture,” said Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP Sales & Marketing, Unique Vacations Canada. Her excitement for the new property, and the destination, really shone through as she spoke.

“Watch, from a trade perspective, for an announcement for exclusive trips early next year that will bring hundreds of travel partners into the destination,” she added. “Once they experience it, they will be as excited as we are to sell the destination. Our feature of the month for January will be Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”

A consumer promotion on now offers savings from US$375 to $1,000 on bookings.

Victor Spysak, Manager of Sales and Tourism Partnerships for Air Canada, was also at the event.

Air Canada has three flights a week from Toronto to SVG starting Oct. 30, increasing to four per week in December through April.

There was discussion, and push, for year-round flights, but this decision is currently undecided and will depend, understandably, on how the route performs. Flights depart Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. The fourth flight will be on Tuesdays.

The destination is rewarding the top performing travel agents through an incentive program, with bookings recorded on the DiscoverSVG Pro site.

For more information visit discoverSVG.com.

Main image (at top):

Welcoming attendees to The Boulevard Club in Toronto for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ ‘Morning of Vincentian Fun & Flavours’ are (left to right): CJ Smith, Director of Sales, Unique Vacations Canada; Shelley John, Director of Sales – Canada for St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Office; Viktor Spysak, Manager of Sales and Tourism Partnerships for Air Canada; Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP Sales & Marketing, Unique Vacations Canada; Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture – Government of the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines