Grenada is positioning itself as more than a traditional beach destination, as tourism officials intensify efforts to attract regional travelers by showcasing the country’s culture, cuisine, wellness offerings, and year-round events.
Speaking during a media and travel agents’ dinner at the Divi Southwinds Hotel on Wednesday, Grenada Tourism Authority Marketing Executive Samantha Thomas said the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique offers visitors a diverse range of experiences that distinguish it from other Caribbean destinations.
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Describing Grenada as rich in history and culture, Thomas noted that the country is also recognized as the “wreck dive capital of the Caribbean.” She said the combination of the three islands provides travelers with what she called “a vacation within a vacation.”
Tourism officials are also promoting Grenada’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. Thomas highlighted the island’s seven chocolate factories and a variety of food-related experiences, alongside expanding eco-tourism activities that include nature trails, wellness retreats, and marine attractions.
Among the country’s most unique features is the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which has become a major draw for visitors seeking distinctive experiences.
“You don’t have to go to Bali on a 19-hour flight,” Thomas said. “You can literally do that half an hour away. We have the world’s first underwater sculpture park, and that is a bucket-list experience that many people want to have.”
She also pointed to Grenada’s expanding events calendar, saying the destination offers much more than its internationally acclaimed Spice Mas festival.
This year, Carriacou hosted its inaugural Lobster and Lambi Festival, while Grenada continues to stage its Dive and Conservation Festival. Later this year, the country plans to introduce its first-ever Grenada Flower Festival, inspired by its success at the Chelsea Flower Show, where Grenada has earned 19 gold medals.
“We’ve decided to turn that into a full festival,” Thomas said, adding that the event is expected to appeal to visitors interested in floral design, destination weddings, and girls’ trips.
She also highlighted the upcoming Grenada Diaspora Homecoming initiative, which is modeled after Barbados’ “We Gatherin’” programme and aims to reconnect Grenadians living abroad with their homeland.
Meanwhile, Charmaine Gibbs of Insights Grenada encouraged visitors to explore Carriacou, describing the sister island as an essential part of the Grenadian experience.
“No visit to Grenada is complete without experiencing the beautiful and untouched sister island Carriacou,” Gibbs said.
She emphasized the importance of strengthening regional tourism ties, arguing that Caribbean nationals should take advantage of the attractions and experiences available throughout neighboring islands.
“Now is the time to open our doors to each other regionally,” Gibbs said, “allowing fellow islanders the opportunity to experience what many people save a lifetime to do, when we have it right on our doorsteps.”
