The Grenada Tourism Authority recently welcome the travel trade to an event in Toronto hosted by its CEO Stacey Liburd, who provided the gathering with an update on what’s new in The Spice Island.
Out of Canada, there are multiple flight options to Grenada, with departures from Toronto Pearson International Airport with Air Canada (three times weekly until April 23, after which it will turn to twice weekly direct flights) and from WestJet (one weekly direct flight) providing convenient, non-stop access.
As for what makes Grenada unique, visitors can start with the Underwater Sculpture Park and the spices of the island that give it the name Spice Island.
Sustainability is central to Grenada’s 2026 tourism strategy which emphasizes:
- Environmental sustainability
- Wellness and nature-based travel
- Community-led tourism experiences
The destinaiton is positioning itself for “high-value, low-impact” visitors rather than mass tourism. There’s also a clear push for eco-tourism and inland experiences (rainforests, waterfalls, hiking) instead of just beaches.
One of its most defining features is its rich spice heritage — nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa are grown across the island, filling the air with a distinctive aroma you won’t find elsewhere.
Unlike more heavily developed Caribbean destinations, Grenada has managed to preserve a more laid-back, unspoiled atmosphere, where lush rainforests, rolling hills, and small villages still dominate the landscape. This balance between natural richness and cultural depth gives the island a strong sense of identity.
One of Grenada’s most iconic attractions is the Grand Anse Beach, a long stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise water often ranked among the best beaches in the world.
Beyond its coastline, the island is filled with dramatic natural scenery, including waterfalls like Annandale Falls and Seven Sisters Falls, which are tucked into dense tropical forest and offer opportunities for hiking and swimming. Nature lovers are also drawn to Grand Etang National Park, a protected area centered around a crater lake and home to diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints.
Grenada is also globally unique for its underwater attractions, especially the Moliniere Underwater Sculpture Park, the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Divers and snorkelers can explore submerged art installations that double as artificial reefs, blending creativity with marine conservation.
This combination of art and ecology highlights the island’s innovative approach to tourism and environmental protection, making it a standout destination for those interested in both culture and nature.
Culturally, Grenada offers a vibrant yet deeply rooted experience. Events like Spicemas bring the island to life with music, dance, and colorful costumes, reflecting African, Caribbean, and colonial influences.
The capital, St. George’s, is often considered one of the most picturesque harbor towns in the Caribbean, with its horseshoe-shaped bay, pastel buildings, and historic forts overlooking the water. Daily life here feels intimate and community-oriented, giving visitors a more genuine connection to local culture.
The Grenada Chocolate Festival is one of the island’s most distinctive cultural events, celebrating Grenada’s rich heritage as a producer of high-quality organic cocoa.
Held annually, the festival brings together local farmers, chocolatiers, and visitors for a week of immersive experiences centered around chocolate—from tree to bar. Participants can tour cocoa plantations, witness traditional chocolate-making processes, and take part in tastings, cooking classes, and workshops that highlight the island’s farm-to-table approach.
Beyond food, the festival also promotes sustainable agriculture and ethical production, showcasing how cocoa farming supports local communities and preserves the environment. With its blend of education, culture, and indulgence, the event offers a uniquely Grenadian way to experience one of the island’s most important natural resources.
In the photo
Scene here, from l to r, at the Toronto event are Meluinda Telesford, Marketing Executive, Grenada Tourism Authority; Sekou Stroude, Director of Sales, Canada, Grenada Tourism Authority; Stacey Liburd, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority; Jerry Grymek, Canadian Agency Representative, LMA Communications.
