ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Grenada tourism officials say an estimated 2 000 Trinidad and Tobago nationals visited the island for the recently held annual Carnival celebrations, making it the best performing Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market for the tourism sector.
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) said however, the United States with visitor arrivals of 6 818 or an increase of 21 per cent over last year, was the best performing market overall, followed by Trinidad and Tobago with a seven per cent increase or 1 973 visitors.
“Grenada records a 7.7 per cent increase in arrivals for the 2019 festival of 13 327 compared to 12 379. This figure is a measure of the visitors and diaspora arriving in the destination, prior to Carnival Monday. Of the 13 327 stayover visitors, 10 505 were tourists and 2 822 were Grenadians residing abroad,” the GTA said, noting that the growth is attributed to additional airlift including three extra flights by the regional airline, LIAT, increased marketing and the global recognition of Grenada’s artistes, culture and music.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Dr Clarice Modeste-Curwen said “the numbers speak to the growing interest in Spicemas as one of the best Carnivals to visit in the Caribbean.
“Our people make the experience memorable and enjoyable with their warm hospitality and visible pride in their music and culture,” she said. Carnival 2020 is carded for August 10 and 11.
The GTA said that Grenada’s soca, groovy and calypso music coupled with its authentic and distinctly unique offerings of Jab Jab and Monday Night Mas, served to wow visitors and highlight what sets Spicemas apart from other Carnivals.
“2019 also saw a marked increase in participation with 12 bands parading for the Monday Night Mas street party. The masqueraders revelled to the rhythms of carnival and lit up the night sky with a plethora of colourfully branded t-shirts, lighted hats and wands. Fancy Mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday also saw increased participation from bands and masqueraders with bejewelled costumes, pageantry and storytelling,” the release added. (CMC)
