St. George’s, Grenada – 22nd August, 2019 – On the heels of a phenomenal 24.9% growth in arrivals for the 2018 Carnival Season, Grenada records a 7.7% increase in arrivals for the 2019 festival of 13,327 compared to 12,379. This figure is a measure of the visitors and diaspora arriving in the destination, prior to Carnival Monday. Of the 13,327 stayover visitors, 10,505 were tourists and 2,822 were Grenadians residing abroad. Part of this growth is attributed to additional airlift including 3 extra flights from LIAT, increased marketing and the global recognition of Grenada’s artistes, culture and music.
The best performing markets for Spicemas 2019 were:
• United States, 21%, a total of 6,818 visitors
• Trinidad & Tobago, 7%, with a total of 1,973 visitors
Grenada’s soca, groovy and calypso music coupled with its authentic and distinctly unique offerings of Jab Jab and Monday Night Mas, served to wow visitors and highlight what sets Spicemas apart from other Carnivals. 2019 also saw a marked increase in participation with twelve (12) bands parading for the Monday Night Mas street party. The masqueraders reveled to the rhythms of carnival and lit up the night sky with a plethora of colourfully branded t-shirts, lighted hats and wands. Fancy Mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday also saw increased participation from bands (11) and masqueraders with bejeweled costumes, pageantry and storytelling.
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen thanked all the contributors to Spicemas 2019 including the artists, bandleaders and service providers. She said, “The numbers speak to the growing interest in Spicemas as one of the best Carnivals to visit in the Caribbean. Our people make the experience memorable and enjoyable with their warm hospitality and visible pride in their music and culture. Grenada for Spicemas 2020 promises to be a spectacular event, I encourage you to book early.”
