Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2020 | Page 270
Mount Taboi with its peak of 999 feet
and the Grenadines (SVG) and
to play a greater role in its
development and promotion
as a true tourist destination [in]
both international and domestic
spheres. We will increase [its]
offering by working with local
groups and tour operators
to develop and market their
products as well as expand the
[number] of on-land attractions
and festivals throughout the
year. Also, we are hoping
to increase the numbers of
domestic visitors (from St.
Vincent and other nearby
islands) who are looking for a
summer/school break getaway.
Shana: What obstacles do
you anticipate?
Stanton: To launch several
planned initiatives over the
coming period would require
greater financial resources.
However, this [is not] an
intimidating factor; it just
means that we would have to
explore wider options [beyond]
traditional sources of funding.
Shana: What are some new
events/initiatives to look
for from the newly directed
tourism board?
Stanton: One of the newest
initiatives is the Conch
Festival, which is slated to
begin on February 29th and
run [until] March 1st. Union
Island [remains] well-known
for its conch supply and this
festival [will] highlight the
conch trade, [including] conch
dishes and jewelry. It [will] be
an expo of everything conch!
Persons can also expect to see
cultural performances and be
entertained with several musical
performances.
Shana: Why should visitors
try Union before the other
Grenadine islands?
Stanton: Union Island has
always been the tourism hub
of the Grenadines: persons can
take day charters to [nearby]
Mayreau, the Tobago Cays,
Happy Island, and two world
renowned resorts: Palm Island
and Petit St. Vincent (PSV). You
can book an island tour, [do
some] bird watching and hiking,
[or] go bar-hopping throughout
the [main] town of Clifton.
Diving and snorkelling tours
are available from the local dive
shop and you can also learn the
sport of kite surfing.
View of the Ashton Lagoon from Big Hill
The road towards Union’s expanded tourism
product is long and challenging, but Stanton’s
dedication remains unwavering. Together with his
team and other like-minded local entrepreneurs
and business owners, he stands ready to lead Union
into its next era of tourism. All of us looking on
anxiously await the big things coming!
Tel - 1 784 458 8350
Facebook - www.facebook.com/visitunionisland
Email - [email protected]
Photo Credit: Stanton Gomes