Many income streams available in tourism says PS Browne

Tourism is reported to be on the rise in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and, over the last year 12-month period (July, 2024- June, 2025), a total of 132 duty free concessions were processed, 35 under the Taxi Operators’ Incentive Programme, and 97 under the Hotels Aid Act.

These figures reflect consistent demand for investment incentives and underscores the Ministry of Tourism’s role in facilitating sectoral growth and compliance, said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Tamira Browne.
She shared these figures on Monday, September, 15, 2025 at the opening of the ‘State of the Tourism Industry address and Stakeholder’s Conference’ at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

The event, held under the theme, “Strength in Unity: Advancing the Vincentian Visitor’s Experience” heard from Dr. Browne that shaping the future of tourism in SVG is a shared responsibility.

She said that people seeking an income stream or multiple income streams, can seek opportunities in tourism as the government continues to provide concessions for investment in the industry.

“…whether you are building villas, offering tours ,running eco-experiences, or developing visitor services, there is room for you,” Dr. Browne noted, while adding that people already involved in tourism should think about becoming tourism approved, as this ensures their business meets required standards, and positions that business for recognition on local, regional and international platforms, giving it visibility and credibility.

She noted that the task of tourism stakeholders is not only to grow tourism and make it sustainable, but to ensure that the natural beauty of SVG is preserved, and that stakeholders should also aid in developing and strengthening the country’s cultural authenticity and community spirit, areas that make the destination unique.

“…tourism is not merely about arrivals and departures or numbers and statistics. It is about our people, our communities, our entrepreneurs, our cultural practitioners, our farmers, our fishermen, and every Vincentian whose hands and hearts help to shape the experiences of those who visit these shores,” Dr Browne told the gathering.

She noted too, that opportunity comes with responsibility and asked people to help confront some of the challenges which the destination faces, litter being one of them.

“I urge every hotel, every guest house…and every Vincentian household to recycle plastic [containers] and install recycle bins. Let us ensure waste is processed responsibly through partners such as All Islands Recycling…and the Central Water and Sewage Authority,” she appealed.

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