Grenada attempts to woo UK market with familiarisation trips

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has hosted two UK airline partners on familiarisation trips.

First came senior reservation agents and product managers from Virgin Atlantic, who stayed at the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa and the AAA Five Diamond Spice Island Beach Resort.

“The agents enjoyed a packed itinerary in which they learnt how to better sell the properties and attractions of Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean,” the GTA said.

The agents also had the opportunity to tour, lunch and dine at other properties, the tourism body added.

Historical sites, such as Fort George and Fort Frederick, were on the itinerary, as was the a trip to the world’s first underwater sculpture park – described by the agents as “amazing”.

Importance of British market

The second ‘fam’ trip took place on 14-21 June and included British Airways senior sales staff.

In April this year, BA marked the 30th anniversary of the partnership between the airline and the Caribbean country, and this trip is the first of three visits planned for 2017.

The British Airways agents stayed at the True Blue Bay Boutique Hotel, Coyaba Beach Resort and Spice Island Beach Resort.

Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly twice a week all year round to the Spice Island.

Patricia Maher, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, spoke of the successful trips.

“We are aware of the importance of the British market to Grenada Tourism and we want to ensure that the people who sell the destination are well equipped with knowledge of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” she said.

“There is nothing like experiencing the destination first hand and getting a taste of all we have to offer to their clients.”