St Vincent vies for premier Caribbean destination

The new Argyle International Airport, expected to open by early 2013 and offering direct international jet service from the U.S., Canada and Europe.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, Thursday April 14, 2011 – The eastern Caribbean nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines is gearing up to capitalise on the rejuvenated world travel market with a complete re-branding of its tourism product. 

Tourism authorities revealed this week a new logo and marketing thrust designed to cement St Vincent and its archipelago of Grendine Islands as “the Caribbean's most sought-after tourist destinations”.

As part of the project, a new logo has been launched to reflect the territory. Designed using the national colors and the iconic shape of a seagull's wings to form the "V" in St. Vincent, the new logo is said to symbolise SVG as a multi-dimensional experience for visitors.

“They are free as an all-pervasive bird, with 32 islands to touch on, each with its own character. The seagull is in flight, connoting the freedom to experience and explore all that SVG has to offer,” stated a release from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority

"SVG is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean. It is time for the secret to be revealed with a new brand identity for this great destination," explained Glen Beache, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. "Through several major projects, we will greatly improve our ability to attract and host many more visitors to our islands."

According to the tourism agency, St Vincent is also benefitting from numerous capital projects implemented to make the country more attractive to and better able to host international visitors. 

Among the major initiatives cited were: the new Argyle International Airport, expected to open by early 2013 and offering direct international jet service from the U.S., Canada and Europe; development of the luxury Buccament Bay Resort by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts (phase one opened on April 3, 2011); a US $100 million upgrade of Raffles by Sandy Lane, renaming it the Canouan Resort; a US $60 million upgrade of Petit St. Vincent by its new owners; the opening of 15 tourist sites through a European Union funded project; and implementation of standards for hotels, taxis, tour operators, and rental vehicles

"Our 32 islands not only offer guests an incredible variety of experiences, but they do so with their own unique flavor and beauty – from the black sand beaches of St. Vincent to the multi-hued blues of the waters surrounding the Tobago Cays," said Saboto Caesar, Minister of Tourism for SVG. "For eco-tourists, those interested in aquatic pastimes, weddings and even those who just want to getaway and relax, SVG offers both quantity and quality. Our new brand identity is one of the many ways in which we will convey just how unique our country really has emerged."

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