ST. GEORGE, Grenada. Grenada is strengthening its sports tourism offering with the upcoming Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim, a regional swimming event scheduled for November 19–22, 2026, featuring activities across Grenada and Carriacou.

Supported by the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), the event forms part of a broader strategy to attract new visitors, diversify the destination’s tourism experiences and extend economic benefits to local businesses and communities. It also supports efforts to expand Carriacou’s events calendar and generate visitor activity throughout the year.

Organized by Jason Gooding of Odessey Timing and Events, the four-day programme will combine competitive open-water swimming with opportunities to explore the destination. Activities will include a swim from Paradise Beach to Sandy Island in Carriacou, guided swims, tours of the Underwater Sculpture Park and a full programme of races at Grand Anse Beach.

The event builds on an earlier open-water swimming competition held in Grenada in February, which attracted a strong contingent of international participants. Organizers aim to develop the Grenada & Carriacou Open Water Swim into a recognized regional fixture, attracting competitors as well as families, supporters and spectators.

Carriacou Takes Centre Stage in Sports Tourism Development

With its clear waters, beaches and distinctive coastline, Carriacou offers an attractive setting for open-water swimming and endurance sports. The event is expected to help raise the island’s profile within the regional sporting calendar while positioning it as a destination where visitors can combine an active holiday with the discovery of the Caribbean.

Sports tourism can generate economic activity beyond the competition itself. Participants travelling with family members and supporters create demand for accommodation, restaurants, transportation, excursions and other local services, providing opportunities for businesses across the tourism sector.

Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, Chief of Operations and Acting CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, said including Carriacou reflects the authority’s commitment to spreading tourism benefits across the Tri-Island State.

“As we expand Grenada’s sports tourism offering, we also want to ensure that the benefits of that growth are felt across the Tri-Island State,” Grant-Hoschtialek said. The event, he added, can increase Carriacou’s visibility, encourage visitor movement and spending, and create opportunities for local businesses and communities to participate more directly in the tourism economy.

Event organizer Jason Gooding highlighted the appeal of combining sports with travel. He said participants often look for experiences beyond competition, including opportunities to explore destinations and enjoy an active holiday. The aim is to put Grenada and Carriacou on the map for sports tourism while allowing participants to discover the islands.

A Growing Calendar of Experiences in Carriacou

The open-water swim joins a wider calendar of cultural, culinary and community events designed to broaden Carriacou’s tourism offering. These include the Lobster, Lambie and Seafood Festival, Corn Festival, Carriacou Cooldown, Maroon Festival and Kayak Mas.

Through its support for sporting, cultural, wellness and community-based experiences, the Grenada Tourism Authority is continuing to develop activities that can attract visitors to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique while creating more opportunities for tourism spending to reach local businesses and communities.

The event will conclude on Sunday, November 22, with the main race programme and awards ceremony at Grand Anse Beach.