AGP Executive Report

Food-Led Travel: Grenada’s home-kitchen experiences are drawing visitors beyond resort dining. In the hills above St. George’s, former public-health professor Chef Kennedy welcomes guests to learn how he makes the island’s national dish from scratch. Destination Marketing: Searches for Grenada holidays rose 50% after the TV show Fortune Hotel aired, while searches for Silversands Grand Anse doubled. ITV and Travel Weekly have announced a £500,000 fund to help travel brands use TV advertising. Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority is preparing Pure Experiences, a new showcase for locally run food, heritage, nature and marine activities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Carriacou Calendar: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s culinary traditions with corn-based dishes and cultural activities. Tourism Outlook: The World Bank projects Grenada’s economy will grow 3.3% in 2026, as tourism-dependent islands contend with high energy and transport costs.

Carriacou Escape: Hillsborough is featured among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach towns, praised for its quiet fishing-village feel and access to Sandy Island. Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage to marine and nature activities. Tourism Events: Carriacou’s Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating local dishes and the island’s corn traditions. Trade Outreach: The GTA is inviting UK agents to visit before year-end and will host its Grenada Marketplace from November 11–17. Hotel Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveller readers ranked Grenada’s Calabash Hotel second among Caribbean hotels for 2026; Spice Island Beach Resort is also highlighted among the region’s leading all-inclusive stays. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Grenada’s economy will grow 3.3% in 2026, as tourism-dependent islands face high energy and transport costs.

Visitor Experiences: Grenada Tourism Authority’s Pure Experiences programme, launching mid-October, will promote locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage outings to marine and nature activities. Carriacou Calendar: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, showcasing local dishes made with the island’s staple crop. UK Travel Trade: Grenada is inviting UK agents to visit before year-end, offering a £400 flight contribution and an on-island experience; its Marketplace event runs November 11–17. Hotel Recognition: Calabash Hotel ranked second among Caribbean hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards, while Silversands Beach House placed ninth. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Grenada’s economy will grow 3.3% in 2026, as tourism-dependent islands contend with high energy and transport costs.

Local Experiences: Grenada Tourism Authority’s Pure Experiences programme is due to launch in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique—from food and heritage outings to marine and nature adventures. Carriacou Events: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, with local dishes and treats showcasing the island’s staple crop. Tourism Trade: The GTA is offering UK agents a £400 flight contribution for familiarisation visits before year-end and will host its Grenada Marketplace from November 11–17. Hotel Spotlight: Calabash Hotel ranked second among Caribbean hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards, while Grenada’s Silversands Beach House placed ninth. Blue Economy: A final round of OECS matching grants will open for eligible marine-tourism businesses in Grenada and two neighbouring islands, with a proposal webinar set for October 30.

Tourism Outlook: The World Bank projects Grenada’s economy will grow 3.3% in 2026, as tourism-dependent islands contend with high energy and transport costs. Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority is preparing Pure Experiences, a new showcase for locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, spanning food, culture, nature and marine activities. Trade Push: The GTA is inviting UK agents to visit, offering up to £400 toward flights and an on-island experience; its Grenada Marketplace runs November 11–17. Hotel Honours: Calabash Hotel ranked second among Caribbean hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 reader awards, with Grenada’s Silversands Beach House also making the top 10. Carriacou Events: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, celebrating the island’s corn-based cuisine. Business Support: A final OECS grant call for blue-economy businesses opens October 30, including marine and coastal tourism operators in Grenada.

Tourism Outlook: The World Bank projects Grenada’s economy will grow 3.3% in 2026, as tourism-dependent islands contend with high energy and transport costs. Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from heritage and food to marine and nature activities. Carriacou Events: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, showcasing traditional and new dishes made with the island’s staple crop. Hotel Recognition: Calabash Hotel ranked second among the Caribbean’s top hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards; Silversands Beach House placed ninth. UK Travel Trade: The GTA is offering agents a £400 contribution toward flights for a Grenada visit before year-end, plus an on-island experience and hotel inspections.

Local Experiences: Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage outings to marine and nature activities. Carriacou Events: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, showcasing traditional and new dishes made with the island’s staple crop. UK Travel Trade: The GTA is offering eligible UK agents a £400 flight contribution for a familiarisation visit, plus transfers and an on-island experience; its Grenada Marketplace runs November 11–17. Cruise Tourism: Grenada’s students can enter the FCCA’s essay and poster competitions, focused on local visitor experiences and ocean protection. Hotel Recognition: Calabash Hotel ranked second among the Caribbean’s top hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 reader awards, while Silversands Beach House placed ninth.

Carriacou Food & Culture: Corn Fest returns to Hillsborough Botanical Gardens on October 25, showcasing traditional and creative dishes made with the island’s staple crop. Local Tours: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run cultural, culinary, nature and marine activities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. UK Travel Trade: “Meet Me in Grenada” offers eligible agents up to £400 toward flights, while the GTA’s invitation-only Marketplace runs November 11–17 with business meetings and destination visits. Tourism Recognition: Grenada placed seventh among Caribbean islands in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 reader awards; Calabash Hotel ranked second among the region’s hotels, with Silversands Beach House ninth. Blue Economy: A final grant call will offer eligible Grenadian businesses in marine tourism and other blue-economy sectors a chance to fund improvements, with the online launch set for October 30.

UK Trade Push: Grenada is courting British travel sellers with a November 11–17 Marketplace and “Meet Me in Grenada,” which offers up to 15 agents a £400 flight contribution, airport transfers and a hosted island experience. Local Tours: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run culture, food, nature, marine and community activities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Hotel Recognition: Calabash Hotel ranked second among Caribbean hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards, while Silversands Beach House placed ninth. Grenada also ranked seventh among Caribbean and Atlantic islands. Youth and Tourism: Grenadian students can enter the FCCA’s cruise-themed essay and ocean-protection poster contests, connecting destination storytelling with marine conservation.

Local Experiences: The Grenada Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally run tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and heritage to nature and marine activities. Trade Outreach: The GTA is offering UK travel agents a £400 flight contribution for a destination visit, plus transfers and an island experience; places are capped at 15. Hotel Honors: Calabash Hotel ranked second among Caribbean hotels in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 reader awards, with Silversands Beach House ninth. Silversands has also shifted to an adults-only welcome for guests aged 16 and over. Destination Profile: Grenada placed seventh among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the same awards, scoring 95.21. Cruise and Community: Grenada is entering young people in FCCA essay and poster contests focused on destination storytelling and ocean protection. Carriacou Escape: A new travel feature spotlights Paradise Beach’s clear water, quiet shoreline and relaxed beach bar.

Local Experiences: Grenada’s Tourism Authority plans to launch Pure Experiences in mid-October, promoting locally operated tours across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, from food and culture to marine and nature activities. Travel Trade: The authority is offering UK agents a £400 contribution toward flights for a destination visit, plus transfers, an on-island activity and hotel inspections; places are limited to 15. Awards: Grenada ranked seventh among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards. Calabash Hotel placed second among the region’s top hotels, with Silversands Beach House ninth. Hotel News: Silversands Beach House is now adults-only, welcoming guests aged 16 and over at its Portici Beach property. Carriacou: A new travel feature spotlights Paradise Beach and the island’s quieter shores, clear water and beach-bar appeal.

Grenada Tourism Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveller readers ranked Calabash Hotel in Grenada No. 2 in the Caribbean for 2026 (98.45%), with Silversands Beach House also making the top 10 (92.92%). New Stay Format in Grenada: Silversands Beach House (Portici Beach) has launched an adults-only experience for guests 16+, leaning into privacy, quiet and restorative stays. Grenada Economy Watch: Grenada’s Q3 2026 outlook highlights relief measures (including VAT-free shopping days) alongside reconstruction progress in Carriacou and Petite Martinique and new spending commitments shaping finances beyond 2026. Carriacou Marina Concern: A dispute over access at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou has reportedly left yacht owners stuck for months, prompting an urgent call for temporary, legally authorized access so vessels can be relaunched. Travel Policy That Could Hit Visitors: The US introduced a visa-bond programme for eligible B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, requiring refundable deposits up to $20,000—details matter for travellers planning trips.

Hotel Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveller readers ranked Calabash Hotel in Grenada No. 2 in the Caribbean for 2026 (98.45%), with Silversands Beach House also making the top 10 (92.92%). Grenada Stay Update: Silversands Beach House has shifted to an adults-only concept for guests 16+ as it leans into privacy and a quieter Portici Beach experience. Tourism Business & Culture: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will honor hotelier Josef Forstmayr at its Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Dec. 6 in Miami, with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism named lead sponsor. Regional Travel Ideas: A new guide spotlights Carriacou’s Paradise Beach as a low-key alternative to the main island’s hotspots—perfect for travelers chasing clear water and a beach bar vibe. Regional Food-to-Tourism Push: Jamaica’s ALEX platform could expand into a Caribbean-wide agrolinkages exchange, with the idea of connecting Grenada nutmeg farmers to tourism buyers across the region. US Travel Policy Watch: The US visa-bond programme covers 50 countries for B1/B2 visas, with bond amounts up to $20,000—India is not on the list.

Grenada Politics & Elections: Opposition leader Emmalin Pierre has challenged Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to a national debate ahead of the 5 November general election, arguing the NNP will run a “clean campaign” focused on issues and policies. Marina Access & Yachting: A letter raises urgent concerns about months-long access problems for yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou, where a fence reportedly blocks routes needed to reach the travel lift and slipway—calling for temporary, legally authorised access. Tourism Product Update: Silversands Beach House in Grenada has shifted to an adults-only concept for guests aged 16+, positioning the boutique property on Portici Beach as a more private, tranquil “restorative oasis.” Caribbean Travel Context: The US introduced a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist and business visas for nationals of 50 countries, with deposits up to $20,000—while India is reported as not included. Regional Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will honor hotelier Josef Forstmayr at its Dec. 6 leadership awards in Miami, spotlighting decades of Caribbean hospitality leadership. Culture & Community: The Mighty Sparrow was remembered at a New York memorial service, with Caribbean community members and officials paying tribute to the Grenada-born calypso icon.

Grenada tourism update: Silversands Beach House in Portici Beach has switched to an adults-only stay for guests aged 16+, leaning into privacy and a quieter “restorative oasis” vibe. Caribbean air access: Caribbean Airlines’ new weekly direct Toronto–Tobago flight starts Oct. 25, timed to Tobago Carnival, with officials calling it a major boost for tourism and business links. Regional travel demand: St. Lucia’s tourism ministry says the winter season (Nov 2026–Mar 2027) is set for stronger airlift, citing big seat growth from the US and Canada plus expanded US and UK services. Travel policy watch: The US has rolled out a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, with deposits up to $20,000 decided at the visa interview; India is not on the list. Marina access concern (Carriacou): A letter urges Grenada’s government to address months-long access problems for yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou, arguing third parties are being trapped despite claims the lift remains available. Culture & community: The Caribbean mourned the Mighty Sparrow with services in Queens, and tributes continue to highlight his impact across the region.

US Visa Bond Update: The US State Department has rolled out a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post a refundable guarantee of $10,000–$20,000, with the amount set at the visa interview; India is not on the list, but several South Asian countries are. Grenada Hospitality: Silversands Beach House in Grenada has switched to an adults-only concept for guests aged 16+, leaning into privacy and a quieter Portici Beach stay. Carriacou Marina Dispute: Yacht owners at Tyrell Bay Marina in Carriacou say a fence blocking access since April 25, 2026 has left vessels stuck for months, urging a temporary, legally authorised route so boats can be launched and leave. Sports Tourism Push: Grenada is expanding its sports calendar with the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim (Nov 19–22, 2026), including a Paradise Beach to Sandy Island swim and tours of the Underwater Sculpture Park. Travel Inspiration: A spotlight on Carriacou’s Paradise Beach highlights the island’s clear water, long sand curve, and a laid-back beach-bar vibe. Airlift Context (Regional): While not Grenada-specific, St Lucia is forecasting a winter seat boost (Nov 2026–Mar 2027) as airlines add frequency—useful for regional travel planning.