Grenada prepares for increased North American visitors

Minister David said there is now a strong bond between Grenada and Caribbean Airlines especially given its successful operations on the St George's-New York route.

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Wednesday November 16, 2011 – Air Canada will begin direct flights between St George's and Toronto from the middle of December.

Tourism officials said this would give a “big boost to the island's tourism during the peak winter months” at a time when two other airlines are beginning their seasonal schedules.

Charter airline Sunwing is also resuming its annual one-month charter schedule from mid December, while Air Canada Vacations is also set to start its now five-month annual winter schedule.

Tourism Minister Peter David said he is also excited about the prospect of a long-term visitor arrival hike from the North American country under a new deal with Caribbean Airlines.

“The onus is for us to now increase our marketing drive to make maximum use of what the Canadian market can offer,” he said yesterday.

The twice weekly flights between Toronto and St George's begin December 15.

The service, which emanates in Port of Spain, will stop in St George's before going direct to Toronto.

On the return, it will fly direct to the Maurice Bishop Airport International before going on to Piarco.

Minister David said there is now a strong bond between Grenada and Caribbean Airlines especially given its successful operations on the St George's-New York route.

“Most often than not flights between Grenada and JFK operate on average 96 % and above; and the airline has been pleased with that experience ….and it is based on that we have decided to expand to the Canada route,” he said.

Caribbean Airlines has announced a more than US$30 million profit in the last year. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)