WTM: Four Seasons to boost Grenada's profile

by Philippa Jacks

LONDON, UK, Nov 11, 2008 - An international hotelier coming to Grenada will be an important promotional tool for the Caribbean island in future years.

William Joseph, the new director of tourism at Grenada Board of Tourism, said existing accommodation is owned by Grenadians and is predominantly three or four-star.

A five-star Four Seasons property in the Mount Hartman area is scheduled to open in 2010.

“It is important for marketing purposes to have a recognisable brand on the island. A chain such as Four Seasons will give us more exposure and assist us in promoting Grenada,” he said.

The tourism board’s 2009 campaign will focus on diving, weddings and honeymoons, and the meetings and events market.

Joseph admitted there had been some “unpleasant fall out” following the collapse of the XL Leisure Group, which flew direct to the island, in September.

However, a Monarch flight that launches 17 December, coupled with existing British Airways and Virgin Atlantic services, will bring Grenada’s airlift back up to its former level.

UK arrivals were up 9% on last year’s totals by September of this year but Joseph said he was prepared for a softening at the end of the year because of the current economic climate.