Thousands of Canadians projected to visit Grenada during winter season

By Linda Straker

IT APPEARS that the decision of the Grenada Board of Tourism and other tourism stakeholders to invest in travel agents and writers embarking on familiarisation tours is paying off, as thousands of Canadian tourists are expected to descend on Grenada between December 2012 and April 2013.

During the 2012/2013 winter season there will be weekly flights from Air Canada with a 120-seater and CanJet with a 160-seater through Transact Holidays, while Caribbean Airlines will continue with its regular two weekly flights. Sunwing is also expected to make one charter flight during the period.

“For the first time, we welcome CanJet Airlines from Canada by Transat Holidays. These passengers are destined for various activities ranging from family reunions to the enjoyment of the Christmas festivities,” said a statement from the Grenada Board of Tourism.

A check with local hotels confirmed that there are moderate increases in Canadian bookings when compared to the 2011/2012 season.

“The Canadian market provides a lot of tourists who will stay at properties, we do have Grenadians returning but it’s mainly tourists who are coming from Canada,” said one stakeholder.

The GBT said that there are reports that most international flights are arriving filled to capacity and with regards to other markets, Caribbean Airlines will operate an extra service to Grenada from New York for the holidays.

However, compared to the Canadian arrivals which are mainly tourists who will be residing at hotels, guest houses or apartments, the New York flights will consist mainly of returning nationals who will be spending the Christmas holidays with family and friends.

“The Canadian and British arrivals will be good news for our properties while the New York arrivals will be good news for families,” one airline official said.

Data from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation shows that there were 6 745 non-residential air arrivals during 2011.