TORONTO — The Canadian market is ripe for growth to Grenada.
Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Petra Roach, along with GTA chairman Randall Dolland, joined Sekou Stroude, the GTA’s Director of Sales, Canada, at Toronto restaurant Sassafraz last night to share their message, and showcase their destination.
Marketed as ‘Pure Grenada: The Spice of the Caribbean’, the island is increasingly popular for Canadian sun seekers. It’s not a mass market destination, but “a boutique destination,” in the words of GTA chairman Doland.
“It’s where you go to reconnect,” said Doland. “It’s a destination that truly rejuvenates you. When you come back you have bragging rights. It’s truly unique.”
GRENADA’S 4TH LARGEST MARKET: CANADA
Canada is Grenada’s fourth largest market, delivering 10.8% of the island’s visitors. The U.S. sends 54% of Grenada’s visitors, followed by the UK (14.7%) and the Caribbean (14.4%).
As Stroude noted, considering that Canada’s population is roughly one-tenth of the U.S. population, Canada is more than holding its own.
Roach thanked Stoude for his work growing the Canadian market. “We’ve had a fantastic year so far,” she said, adding “we’re looking to invest more in the Canadian market.”
Some 13,000 Canadians travelled to the Spice Island in the first seven months of 2024.
NEW FLIGHTS
That number will no doubt climb even higher in the months to come, as the winter sun season gets underway.
Air Canada’s year-round weekly service from Toronto to Grenada increases to twice weekly in the winter months.
WestJet meanwhile will introduce new flights from Toronto to Grenada starting Nov. 3 and running through April 27.
Roach added that Grenada poured lots of investment dollars into levelling up its attractions, and promoting its high-level culinary offering, to stay on the radar with increasingly discerning travellers.
CARRIACOU, PETITE MARTINIQUE RECOVERING FROM BERYL
In recent years Grenada has ramped up its tai-island marketing message, along with Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The two smaller islands took a hard hit from Hurricane Beryl last month.
As Stroude told Travelweek recently, rebuilding efforts for Carriacou and Petite Martinique will take time. However Grenada’s main island “is fully operational and open for business, [and] visiting Grenada’s main island not only allows you to enjoy its beautiful attractions and vibrant culture but also supports the broader recovery efforts for our entire nation.”
Dolland said: “We have been through some challenging times, but we’re excited about what’s to come.”
SECOND UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK
There’s plenty on the horizon for first-time or return visitors to Grenada.
The creator of Grenada’s iconic Underwater Sculpture Park will soon debut a second underwater park, called ‘A World Adrift’, off the northern coast of Carriacou.
Divers have long flocked to Grenada and the destination is set to become even more of a draw for this market with not one but two underwater sculpture parks, plus many other dive sites.
RESORTS & ATTRACTIONS
New hotels on the island include Silversands Beach House, and Six Senses La Sagesse.
Asked about Sandals Grenada – can you believe it’s been 10 years since Sandals arrived in Grenada? – Stroude said the marketing power of Sandals Resorts has brought incredible visibility for the island, and many more visitors too.
Stroude told Travelweek: “The Pure Grenada experience beckons visitors to its 40 white sandy beaches including the world-famous Grand Anse Beach, 15 breathtaking waterfalls, six chocolate factories, four rum distilleries, and more than 30 unforgettable dive sites, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean ‘Bianca C’ and the World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park.”
Stoude added: “Thank you for investing in the Canadian market. We have a lot of Canadian travellers. Let them know Grenada is open for business, and spread the news about Grenada. And don’t forget, the people on the island are the spice. They make the island what it is.”
Two Bedroom Ocean View Pool Villa at Six Senses La Sagesse
More information about travel to Grenada can be found at puregrenada.com.
