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We must also consider the on-going construction of Black Sands Resort at Peter’s Hope and the government’s plan to construct a one hundred and ninety five (195) room Holiday Inn hotel at Diamond. These projects would add much needed rooms to our destination, and would help to sharpen our competitive edge. We must also celebrate Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' success at hosting its first Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Sustainable Tourism Conference, in August this year. The positive reviews have been encouraging and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future.

Speaking of being proud, one of the new initiatives on this year’s calendar of activities is Vincy Tourism Day, to be observed on Friday 8th November 2019. On this day we are encouraging schools, business places and government offices to create or decorate a physical space to depict local elements of eco-tourism or festival tourism. Eco-tourism is one of our niche markets and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has declared 2019 as the Year of Festivals, hence our decision to highlight both on Vincy Tourism Day. Vincy Tourism Day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our Vincy tourism pride, and we are hoping that this new initiative would be well supported. Festival tourism is a popular means of cultural consumption and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a delectable menu of festivals of various tastes and proportions. Vincy Mas continues to be one of the hottest items on the Caribbean summer calendar. Nine Mornings is a Christmas experience like no other. Bequia Music Festival and Mustique Blues fest, are intimate and charming. Bequia Easter Regatta and Easterval on Union Island are balancing revered traditions with “hip” innovation. The breadfruit festival is still in its fledgling stage but is promising. The Garifuna Heritage and Culinary festivals at Fancy and Greiggs, are socio-cultural treats that get better each year; and the plethora of structured sporting, cultural and commercial activities at Independence Anniversary celebrations, may soon be harmonized into a festival of sorts.

I cannot conclude this address without referencing the Renewal at 40 campaign, which has been an effort to elicit and showcase the best of us as a nation. As we go into Tourism Month 2019, and the new tourism season, let us summon the spirit of that campaign. Let us renew our focus and efforts to improve and protect this industry that is so integral to the life of the Vincentian economy. Our tourism product is an object of national pride. Let us demonstrate that pride in thought, conversation and action, throughout November and beyond. Tourism is everyone’s business. Let us live it,love it, embrace it!
 

SOURCE: Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture