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St. George’s, January 21, 2011 – A senior government minister has said that the ruling NDC administration plans on deepening relations with the private sector in 2011, with the aim of enhancing the tourism industry and generating more revenue for the national economy.
Tourism Minister Peter David said the outreach to the business community is part of an initiative to meet with all tourism stakeholders to develop and implement a short to medium term tourism strategy.
“We will make every effort to deepen collaboration with other industry sectors to increase visitor arrivals, visitor spending and the industry’s contribution to the Grenadian economy,’’ Mr. David said during the recent parliamentary debate on the 2011 budget.
The collaboration, he said, will include setting up a mechanism within his ministry to deal “as effectively as possible’’ with the concerns of all tourism partners.
Minister David said the private sector, both local and foreign, is invited to work jointly with government on a number of proposed tourism projects, including “ziplines, trails and a modern cultural open-air centre’’ at the Annandale Falls and Village.
“We encourage boating, sky tramps, cottages and villas’’ at Grand Etang, said Mr. David, adding that in Carriacou, “we hope to complete the Belair Park, support more heritage and sporting festivals, and establish more water sports and yachting services.’’
Government, he also revealed, is seeking private sector backing for “more active adventure activities,’’ including rock-face climbing, skydiving and parasailing.
It’s also “willing to provide added incentives to investment that is focused on the sustainable use of our rich natural and cultural resources,’’ Minister David said.
He promised that In 2011, “we will work diligently at improving the quality of goods and services offered to customers as to maintain and improve visitor spending. We plan to implement programs aimed at making Grenada a competitive and unique destination in which visitors stay longer and spend more money.’’