Caribbean must stand as one to succeed in increasingly competitive market, says Tourism Minister

A RETURN to regionally driven trade shows like the Caribbean Village.

 That’s what Grenadian Tourism Minister, Alexandra Otway-Noel, says she is pushing for, adding that with the increase of players in the tourism market, the Caribbean’s best chance is that it stands as one.

Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) held earlier this month in London, which provided sales and networking opportunities for travel and tourism stakeholders from around the globe, Otway-Noel said that though trade shows such as WTM were a significant financial burden, particularly in these times, regional players did not have to miss out on such critical opportunities, but could forge ahead with activities similar to those done in years gone by, which promoted integration and allowed for islands to become more familiar with the diversity of the region.

The Grenada Minister also said she was pleased with the turn out and vibrancy of this year’s WTM, adding that for Grenada, there was a particular buzz.

“[Grenada] is just on the verge of taking off. We’re in the development stages, now we are rebranding ourselves [as a tourism destination]... Our hospitality sector is very excited about what we are doing,” Otway-Noel remarked, citing some of the recent points of celebration for the country.

Among those was the addition of Sandals, which is due to officially be opened on December 15.

“We think it’s going to add a very nice component to our hotel competent... and we are pleased to say, thus far, it is the crème de la crème of the Sandals line. Mr. [Gordon ‘Butch’] Stewart loves Grenada, and he has spared no expense on this hotel, and we are going to have a product that we can be proud of,” she said excitedly.

The Minister also lauded the work of leading hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin, who is currently spending $2 million dollars to refurbish Spice Island Resorts. She credit him for being “very good at maintaining his hotel and evolving with the times,” further noting that it was his hands-on approach that ensured his hotel did so well.

In fact, Otway-Noel pointed out that many of hotels were adding to their product so they could be more competitive. She attributed this confidence shown in part to the progressive approach which the current administration had taken. She added that her ministry was not only bringing a lot of plans and clear direction to the fore, but also implementing.

The Minister said that there were several incoming hotels on the books, and interest from one particular gentleman, the details of which would soon be released.

It was reported last month in another section of the media that Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, part of the Orascom family conglomerate, was planning to build three five-star hotels on the island, and had already met with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell during a recent visit to discuss investment into the tourism and hospitality industry.