Vincentians, make SVG the Home of Hospitality

Tourism Week message from the Director of Tourism

As we begin Tourism Week 2006, under the theme, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The Home of Hospitality”. It is incumbent on us to ensure that every Vincentian is aware of the importance of the Tourism Industry to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tourism creates jobs; it provides foreign exchange earnings; it serves as a catalyst for the development of other economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing; it also helps to pay for, and justify infrastructure that also serves general community and economic needs.{{more}}

In 2005, the tourism visitor expenditure in St. Vincent and the Grenadines totaled EC282.94 million, this is a 9.6% increase on the 2004 figure of EC $258.

It is against this background that the Ministry of Tourism, Youth and Sports is celebrating “Tourism Week” 2006.

Everyone is aware that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is assiduously preparing for the ICC, Cricket World Cup 2007.

We are hosting warm-up matches between the period 5th – 9th March 2007. These matches will be between England, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Bermuda. Noting that these games are taking place during the winter season when most properties would already have had their usual bookings,

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is expecting an additional 4,000 plus persons for the games. This increased volume of passengers will certainly add to the first quarter visitor arrivals numbers.

It is therefore important that we make “St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The Home of Hospitality” to ensure long term benefits and a legacy for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Let us begin by being hospitable to each other, let us show concern for our environment both land and marine base. Let us work to ensure that every visitor to St. Vincent and the Grenadines leaves with a memorable impression and experience of our country to the extent that they will be willing to share this experience with friends and loved ones on return to their respective countries.

Fellow Vincentians there is

nothing as powerful as “Word of Mouth” advertising in the tourism industry.

Therefore, let us ensure that what ever is said about a visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be to our benefit/advantage. In this regard we need to create and exhibit positive attitudes, deliver quality products and services and give value for money.

In closing, I would like to say “Courtesy is contagious, try it.” Let us make St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The Home of Hospitality”.