The season's first call was by Celebrity Summit on Friday.
Some 202 calls are scheduled, with a total passenger count of 377,394 forecast, an 11% increase from the prior high.
Training for service excellence
Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Petra Roach said Grenada prepared for the season by facilitating training and workshop sessions focused on professional development, hospitality and cultural engagement — all aimed at service excellence.
'This is part of an overall strategy to ensure our tourism stakeholders such as taxi operators, artisans and vendors are prepared ... and will provide high quality, culturally sound and professional services that enhance our destination marketing,' Roach said.
Economic impact
Grenada Tourism Authority Chairman Randall Dolland called the cruise sector 'important for Grenada as it generates substantial economic activity. The GTA is committed to improving Grenada’s product offering and increasing the number of ships and calls to our ports,' he said. 'In addition, we want to ensure further employment opportunities for our people.'
Speaking during the cruise season opening ceremony at the Melville Street welcome center, Tourism Minister Lennox Andrews expressed optimism about cruising's growth.
'Over the years, our team at the Grenada Tourism Authority has established an excellent network of industry partners as well as various public and private stakeholders and together they have all collaborated to take full advantage of the benefits of the cruise industry,' he said.
