Guyana sees opportunity in linking ecotourism with Grenada’s beach market

President Ali with PM Mitchell

Guyana has proposed linking its tourism offerings with Grenada, a move President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali says will boost visitor arrivals, increase revenue and support a more connected and diverse Caribbean tourism market.

Ali made the announcement at the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Grenada in Georgetown, signalling strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

The Consulate, located on New Market Street, was inaugurated on Monday evening by President Ali, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Joseph Andall.

Ali identified tourism as a major area for expanded collaboration and said the two nations have significant untapped potential. He noted that while their tourism products differ, “these products are different enough to complement rather than compete with each other.”

He added that “Grenada is globally recognised for its beaches, marine attractions, yachting sector, and spice-infused cultural charm that has earned it the nickname the Spice Isle.” By contrast, he said, “Guyana… offers a world-class eco-tourism product, rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, river-based adventures. Together, these differences can become a powerful asset… we can create multi-destination packages that bring greater value to travellers and enhance regional competitiveness.”

Ali said stronger air connectivity is essential for such integration and indicated that Guyana will work toward improving this. He also highlighted the Consulate’s role as a communication channel, business facilitator and promoter of tourism, describing it as “opening a door” to enhanced cooperation built on people-to-people relationships.

Addressing food security, Ali told the Grenadian prime minister, “We are investing heavily in regional food security, in every aspect of regional security.” He added that “we hope that in the first quarter of next year, our two sides can sit down and sign an elaborate bilateral agreement where Guyana can be an important and your most trusted partner in supplying quality, consistent food at consistent prices.”

Ali further proposed joint investment in modernising Grenada’s spice industry, including developing processing and packaging capacity aimed at regional and international markets. He said deeper cooperation could encourage the wider Caribbean to dismantle artificial trade barriers and outdated regulations.

Prime Minister Mitchell praised Guyana as a strong and reliable regional leader and commended Ali for assisting Caribbean nations affected by natural disasters. He urged the region to adopt local solutions and strengthen internal economic systems, describing the Guyanese leader as an important supporter of that approach. Mitchell said discussions were already underway on several areas of cooperation and integration.

Grenada has appointed Guyanese businessman Dr. Komal Singh as Honorary Consul in Georgetown. An honorary consul represents a foreign state while maintaining separate employment and does not receive a salary.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, members of the diplomatic corps and other government officials. (DPI)