Grenada’s Government, Hoteliers Agree on Joint Approach to Addressing the Challenges of the Sector

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Nazim Burke, together with the Minister for Tourism, Senator George Vincent, and other senior Government Officials, met last week with a representation of the hotel sector to discuss and explore feasible options on issues currently affecting the sector.

In addressing the gathering, Minister Burke spoke of the challenges facing the economy and the need for everyone to work together to find realistic solutions that can be beneficial to everyone. He spoke of collective responsibility and need for everyone to fully understand that these are not ‘ordinary times’. He assured the hoteliers that Government will continue to do all in its power to assist in whatever way possible.

Minister Vincent spoke of Government’s commitment for the further development of the tourism sector which includes negotiating for increased airlift; using technology in advertising the destination; and proceeding with the establishment of the Tourism Authority. He spoke of the fact that Government was able to negotiate additional flights from New York, with Caribbean Airlines, for the Diaspora Homecoming.

He also highlighted that Government was able to obtain funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for three Grenadians to attend a workshop in Jamaica (DigitalJam) where they are being exposed to the use of cellular phone technology in marking and promotion.

According to the hoteliers, some of the major challenges they currently face include: low occupancy levels; high financing cost; and high energy costs.

As a result, they have been forced to implement measures, such as scaling down of operations and staff rotation, in an effort to sustain their operations. They presented some initiatives they have developed, including an aggressive local marketing campaign, which they hope to implement shortly. They welcomed Government’s support in this regard.