Airbnb joins forces with Grenada to lift tourism

The government of Grenada has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbnb as part of efforts to boost tourism.

The move comes as the nation try formalise and implement a cohesive partnership with the global home-sharing company.

Grenada’s Minister of Tourism Clarice Modeste-Curwen signed the document on Thursday, in a conference held during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual Caribbean Week.

Grenada Tourism Authority was the driving force behind this move to maximise exposure of the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The document will act as a streamlined framework for the collaboration between the GTA and Airbnb, designed to further enhance and position the Spice Island of the Caribbean as top-of-mind with target consumers.

“Solidifying a strategic alliance with a global entity like Airbnb demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Grenada’s tourism sector by tapping into new segments of the industry and providing Grenadians with opportunities that stimulate our island’s economic growth,” Modeste-Curwen said.

“Grenada is known and loved for the warm and friendly hospitality of its people, world-class beaches, cuisine, culture and we recognise that in order for the destination to remain competitive we must grow and evolve with the ever-changing travel landscape.”

Innovative tourism

Airbnb plays an increasingly important role in Grenada’s tourism sector with more than 400 active listings across the island.

Typical host annual earnings of US$2,200

With the establishment of the strategic partnership, new opportunities will be open to Grenadians.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, there will also be “island-wide advocacy to develop and support unique Pure Grenada experiences that will further strengthen the continued growth of the destination’s economy”.

In recent months, Airbnb has reached a series of agreements with countries in the Caribbean, especially the recent signing of an agreement with the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s public policy lead for Central America and the Caribbean, said: “We are proud to partner with Grenada and help create genuine experiences for travellers and new economic opportunities for Grenadians while highlighting local culture and heritage.