Tourism Minister calls on hoteliers to expand capacity

Minister of Tourism, Cecil McKie has declared that one of the greatest challenges to this country’s tourism is hotel capacity.

He was commenting on the lack of accommodation in St Vincent and the Grenadines for visitors, particularly since the Argyle international airport is scheduled to begin operations by mid-year 2015.{{more}}

“We have recognized the importance of increasing our capacities. We certainly don’t have the necessary capacity if a number of airlines and a number of visitors descend on us in short time,” he said.

However, the minister has indicated that his ministry, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves are working towards increasing accommodation in the country.

“We have offered the local operators, local stakeholders and also we have put it open to the world: come and invest in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” McKie said.

“Local operators expand your units; collaborate in terms of establishing new facilities and the Government has offered to be a partner in such development and investment.”

Also, McKie revealed that a number of groups and organizers have expressed an interest and that there will be persons coming to look into the possibilities in the near future. (BK)