Tourism Ministry strikes deal with supermarkets

The Ministry of Tourism is partnering with three supermarkets to promote tourism and environmental awareness.

At a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism’s conference room last Monday, November 17, Minister of Tourism Glen Beache unveiled the unique plan.{{more}}

The Ministry of Tourism has purchased and branded two sizes of canvas-type shopping bags to be distributed, free of cost, to the participating supermarkets: Greaves, Randy’s and the government owned Food City.

At press time, the price of the bags had not yet been determined, but Beache said he expected that the bags will be sold to shoppers at about $10 and $15, respectively, for the two sizes.

For six months, customers who purchase and use the bags when shopping will get a two per cent discount on what they purchase.

After the six-month period, each time a shopper uses the bag, he or she will be refunded the cost of the plastic bags that the supermarket would have had to use, had the shopper not had the bag.

In addition to the Ministry of Tourism’s logo, the bags will have different environmental awareness and tourism taglines printed on them.

The two bags that were displayed at the press conference had the respective taglines: Less plastic, save more and protect the environment today.

“We think this is something that will really work well,” Beache said.

He said that his Ministry is open to other supermarkets that will want to come on board, including those in the Grenadines. (KJ)