- Expanded Collaboration with International Airlines, Sandals Resorts, and Marriott International
- SVG Budget 2024 Sees $16 Million Boost for Tourism Authority
In 2024, the government of St Vincent (SVG) will spend extensively in the work of the Tourism Authority, which will lead efforts to capitalise on the increased interest in destination SVG and the post-COVID influx of vacation tourists, mainly from North America.
Budget 2024 increases the Tourism Authority’s subvention from $3 million to $19 million based on a clearly outlined plan to expand marketing activity and connect with airlines.
The significant rise is also to coordinate with the promotion efforts carried out by foreign airlines, Sandals Resorts, and Marriott.
The Arnos Vale Playing Field will host Cricket World Cup T20 games this year, 2024, boosting sports tourism.
Camilo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, stated that the Argyle International Airport continues to generate interest in St Vincent and the Grenadines through hotel construction, more airlift, and enhanced participation with the global hospitality industry.
“Let’s put it this way: If not for the Argyle International Airport, we would not be on the verge of welcoming Sandals Resorts to Buccament. Indeed, the final cost of the Sandals Resort will almost equal the cost of constructing AIA itself.”
The launch of the Sandals Resort, according to Gonsalves, has already helped SVG gain assurances for extra flights from existing carriers as well as at least one new major North American carrier, which will reveal its 2024 itinerary in the coming months.
