BELFAST, Northern Ireland: The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with the assistance of the European Commission will be investing 5 million Euro, to upgrade and develop their tourism and eco-tourism industry.
The Tourism Development Project (TDP) initiative comes after record visitor numbers in 2007 and strong projections for 2008 from Europe, North America and the Caribbean community. SVG is one of the most diverse locations in the Eastern Caribbean, each island offering a truly unique and different experience to its visitors.
The TDP objective is to achieve levels of sustained growth, increased employment, and shared benefits to local communities, while simultaneously offering a high quality tourism product, positioning SVG as an ultimate adventure Caribbean holiday destination.
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| Dr Christopher G. Stange, Consul for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in Northern Ireland and Caribbean Industry Analyst |
A National Parks Authority (NPA) has been established, and various sites and attractions have been designated for improvement including the world-famous Tobago Cays, cascading Falls of Baleine and lava pool at Owia Salt Pond.
Community organisations and other non-governmental parties will be involved during all stages of development. The emphasis will be on strengthening the sustainable management of the country’s resources ensuring environmental protection as well as, improving customer service through the establishment of a Hospitality Training Institute.
Glen Beache, Minister of Tourism, Youth and Sports for St Vincent and the Grenadines explains: “St Vincent and the Grenadines has something to suit all holidaymakers and their budgets, from guest houses to five star resorts, from sailing to hiking, and we hope that our efforts to develop key tourist sites, as well as the continued investment by hoteliers in new and exciting accommodation options, will attract even more visitors to the destination.”
Dr Christopher G. Stange, Consul of St Vincent and the Grenadines in Northern Ireland further added: “With Argyle International Airport on St. Vincent to be completed in 2011 and the recent large expansion to the airport on Canouan, the necessary infrastructure is being created for easier airline access to the country and direct routes. With the large population of Caribbean descent and specifically the Vincentian Diaspora outside the country, we all have a substantial role to play in Caribbean integration and promoting our small nation. I encourage citizens to get involved, be proud of our country’s achievements and promote SVG.”
The Tourism Development Project is managed by the Ministry of Tourism, implemented by Tourism Intelligence International and will run until 2009.
The sites that are being developed are: Argyle Recreation Park, Belmont Lookout, Black Point, Botanic Gardens, Cumberland Beach Recreation Centre, Cumberland Nature Trail, Dark View Falls, Falls of Baleine, Fitzhughes Heritage Centre, Fort Murray, Layou Petroglyph Park, Owia Salt Pond, Rabacca River Recreation Park, Rawacou Beach, Soufriere Cross, Country Trail, Tobago Cays, Wallilabou Falls Park and the Youroumei Heritage Village. |
