Grenada achieved a historic milestone in 2018 welcoming more than half a million visitors to the destination’s shores.

Spread across key niche markets, the combined cruise, yachting and stay over arrivals for 2018 was 528,077 representing a 13 per cent increase over 2017.

A strong performance was recorded in stay over arrivals with an increase of ten per cent, moving from 146,375 to 160,970 visitors - with special mention given to the bumper Christmas season in which a growth of 17 per cent was recorded.

Canada recorded the highest growth rate in 2018 with a 19 per cent increase, followed by the USA at 12.38 per cent and the Caribbean at 6.87 per cent.

The yachting sector recorded double-digit growth of 11 per cent, with visitor arrivals moving from 21,911 to 24,281, a direct result of 428 more yacht calls.

As it relates to cruise arrivals, the sector grew by 14 per cent (299,449-342,826) due to larger cruise ship calls.

Speaking about the performance of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada Tourism Authority chief executive, Patricia Maher, said: “We are delighted to surpass the historic 500,000 mark.

“It is a result of our hard work in lobbying airlines for more flights and the engagement of top cruise brand executives for more ship calls.

“I would like to thank our stakeholders for their support in ensuring our visitors continue to have wonderful experiences in the destination.”