ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is preparing to launch Pure Experiences, a curated collection of locally run tours and activities across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The program is scheduled for mid-October.

Greater visibility for local operators

The initiative is designed to strengthen experience-based tourism. It creates more visibility and promotional opportunities for local operators and helps visitors discover the destination through its people, culture and natural surroundings.

Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, GTA’s chief operating officer and acting CEO, said the program is meant to benefit communities: “The value of tourism is also measured by the opportunities it creates for our people.” He said local guides, artisans and community businesses bring knowledge and skills that enrich the visitor experience. “Through Pure Experiences, we aim to expand their participation in the sector and help ensure tourism’s benefits reach our communities even further,” he said.

A preview with industry guests

As part of its promotional efforts to raise awareness of the destination, the GTA hosted a Pure Experiences familiarization trip ahead of the wider launch for four travel agents and a journalist. The visit gave participants firsthand knowledge of local activities and the people behind them, and allowed the authority to gather feedback before the program’s broader introduction.

Choosing what to do, part of choosing where to go

Tornia Charles, GTA’s marketing director, said activities play a central role in travel decisions: “For the experience-oriented traveler, choosing what to do is an important part of choosing where to go.” She said Pure Experiences will help present “the variety of activities available across our three islands more clearly,” so visitors can plan around their interests and find offerings they might otherwise miss.

Through Pure Experiences, the GTA continues to support greater local participation in tourism while showcasing the range of experiences available across the tri-island destination.