Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2017 | Page 219

COVER STORY
GRENADA
CARIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE
There is a general
description of the
Caribbean islands, that
of year-round sunshine
and lovely beaches
which most people are
used to hearing about.
Is there anything else
about the island of
Grenada you think
encapsulates more
concisely what the
island offers?
Grenada is an incredibly
unique destination. We are
much more than the gorgeous
weather and stunning
beaches. With Carriacou
and Petite Martinique, we
encompass 3 destinations
in one location; each island
has its own personality and
its own range of things to
discover. The people of
Grenada, Carriacou and Petite
Martinique are our biggest
asset- we are well-known as
one of the friendliest, most
welcoming people in the
Caribbean. We are very safe,
and one of the best places for
visitors to immerse themselves
in a rich, vibrant culture, as
well as being blessed with a
mix of elements from beaches
to waterfalls to mountains all
within close proximity to each
other.
What is Grenada’s
special brand of
tourism?
We pride ourselves on being
“authentic Caribbean”. Our
brand is Pure Grenada and
we are exactly that- pure,
untouched, peaceful, and
rustic. Grenada is the type of
destination where a visitor can
have a truly rewarding, real
local experience that is not
manufactured and that is not
commercialized.
How has your island’s
tourism focus evolved
over the years? To
what extent have
those changes been
influenced by the
sustainable tourism
model, if at all?
Grenada’s tourism focus
has indeed been influenced
by the sustainable tourism
model. The choice of the “Pure
Grenada” brand reflects this-
an emphasis on community,
environment, and culture. We
seek to remain conscious of
and mitigate the impact of
tourism on our environment
through anti-litter campaigns,
coral reef regeneration
projects, eco-friendly hotel
policies and encouraging
Green Globe certifications,
among other actions.
We encourage our visitors to
visit and experience Grenada
as is, in all of our off-the-
beaten path glory. We have
placed a greater emphasis
on quality assurance, and
encourage Grenadians
to take ownership of the
tourism industry through
local domestic marketing
programmes. Most
importantly, we are aware of
Grenada’s capacity. We are
a small island, with fragile
ecosystems and an even
more fragile infrastructure.
We do not seek to be a mass-
tourism destination, and we
manage our tourism industry
accordingly.