The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China pose concerns for Grenada’s tourism stakeholders, particularly due to the country’s reliance on imported goods. The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association has been proactive in addressing these uncertainties by holding emergency meetings and exploring alternative sources for supplies.
The announcement came from Arlene Friday, CEO of the GHTA, as stakeholders met in St Lucia to discuss deepening tourism cooperation. “It’s a wake-up call,” Friday noted, stressing the importance of regional collaboration in mitigating external economic shocks.
In response to these concerns, the GHTA has held emergency meetings with private sector stakeholders and shipping companies.
“We’ve been working nonstop to find solutions, whether that means sourcing goods from new markets or strengthening trade relationships within the Caribbean. We have to be proactive—waiting is not an option.”
Grenadian representatives have also participated in public hearings in the United States, advocating for CARICOM nations and highlighting the dangers of rising inflation caused by trade disruptions. “Our message was clear: these policies are not just affecting large economies; they are shaking the foundation of smaller nations like ours.The cost of living rises, businesses struggle, and tourism—which is our economic lifeline—suffers,” Friday explained.
She says the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced the need for regional collaboration. “We had to rely on each other during the pandemic, and now we must do it again. The private sector has a unique advantage because we can move faster than governments. By working together, we can create a buffer against external shocks.”
Despite these challenges, Friday notes that Grenada’s tourism sector remains resilient. The increase in visitor arrivals is the result of aggressive marketing campaigns and major investments in infrastructure.
