The government of Grenada on Thursday, June 8 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize and implement a “cohesive partnership” with the global home-sharing company, Airbnb.
Grenada’s Minister of Tourism, Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen signed on behalf of the government of Grenada at a conference held during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York.
The signing of the MOU is part of ongoing efforts by the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) to maximize exposure of the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and will act as a “streamlined framework for the collaboration between the GTA and Airbnb, designed to further enhance and position the ‘Spice Island of the Caribbean’ as top-of-mind with target consumers,” said the GTA in a statement.
“Solidifying a strategic alliance with a global entity like Airbnb demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Grenada’s tourism sector by tapping into new segments of the industry and providing Grenadians with opportunities that stimulate our island’s economic growth,” Modeste-Curwen said.
“Grenada is known and loved for the warm and friendly hospitality of its people, world-class beaches, cuisine, culture,” she added. “And we recognize that, in order for the destination to remain competitive, we must grow and evolve with the ever-changing travel landscape,” she added.
GTA said Airbnb plays an “increasingly important role in Grenada’s tourism sector with more than 400 active listings across the island and typical host annual earnings of $2200 USD.
“With the establishment of today’s strategic partnership, new opportunities will be open to Grenadians and island-wide advocacy to develop and support unique Pure Grenada experiences that will further strengthen the continued growth of the destination’s economy,” GTA said.
In recent months, GTA said Airbnb has reached a series of innovative and very promising partnerships with countries in the Caribbean, especially the recent signing of an agreement with the CTO, which sets a great environment for boosting tourism in the region.
“We are proud to partner with Grenada and help create genuine experiences for travelers and new economic opportunities for Grenadians while highlighting local culture and heritage,” said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s Public Policy lead for Central America and the Caribbean.
