The St Vincent and the Grenadines Government, with the support of the European Commission, is investing 5 million euros to upgrade and develop this undiscovered part of the Eastern Caribbean, in order to attract more tourists.

This new tourism thrust comes on the back of a record year in 2006 in terms of visitor numbers, with a total of 306,578 arrivals to the region from around the world. What’s more, UK visitor numbers are up by 25% year on year, with nearly 7,000 visitors arriving already during the first four months of 2007.

From the heights of the majestic Soufriere Volcano to the bottom of the calm waters of the Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is teeming with adventure, with lots of places waiting to be discovered and explored. The Tourism Development Project’s objective is to achieve high levels of sustained growth, increase employment and spread the benefits of the tourism sector to local communities, whilst providing a quality offering to visitors, positioning St Vincent and the Grenadines as the ultimate adventure holiday destination within the Caribbean.

A National Parks Authority (NPA) has been established, and a total of 20 sites and attractions have been earmarked for development including the lava pool Owia Salt Pond, the world-famous Tobago Cays and the 60-foot cascading Falls of Baleine. Community organisations and other non-Governmental groupings will be actively involved in the development and co-management of these designated sites.

In addition, one of the key focuses in the tourism sector will be on small, family-run hotels and B&Bs in order to position the region as an affordable Caribbean holiday destination. While the bigger resorts may steal the headlines, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ boutique offering of guesthouses, small hotels and private villas are a real find. From sophisticated beachfront chic to hillside nature camps, island hopping has never offered such a varied choice of charming accommodation - and all at great value for money.  Accommodation is on offer from approximately £35 per person per night, and visitors get a taste of authentic, low key Caribbean hospitality as well as an insight into the local culture.
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