The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), will host the State of the Tourism Industry Address and Stakeholders’ Conference at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown on Monday.
It will be held under the theme “Strength in Unity: Advancing the Vincentian Visitor Experience.”
“This annual forum serves as one of the most important gatherings of tourism leaders, stakeholders, and partners across St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the SVGTA said in a press release.
It said the event is designed to take stock of the industry’s performance, highlight challenges, and set the direction for growth in the coming year.
Minister of Tourism Carlos James will deliver the keynote State of the Tourism Industry Address, providing an update on the sector’s performance and announcing new initiatives to strengthen SVG’s position in the global tourism market.
The event brings together voices from across the industry, government, airlines, cruise lines, hoteliers, tour operators, community leaders, and youth representatives, ensuring that the Vincentian tourism product continues to evolve in a unified and sustainable manner.
“Tourism is not just one industry among many; it is a connector that impacts aviation, hospitality, culture, sport, and communities,” James said.
“This conference provides a unique platform for all stakeholders to engage, collaborate, and help shape the future of tourism in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”
The event will include two panels.
The first, “Translating Vision into Action”, will solicit stakeholders’ reflections on the minister’s priorities, with emphasis on collaboration, financing, and community impact.
The second panel, “The Connected Journey”, will take “a deep dive into cruise, community tourism, and vacation partnerships, featuring executives from cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and community leaders”.
The policy session will see a presentation on the Coastal and Beach Vending Bill with a question-and-answer engagement.
The youth panel, “Next Gen, Next Level” will showcase youth perspectives on enhancing SVG’s tourism product, featuring the Junior Minister of Tourism Isiah Toney hospitality students, and young entrepreneurs from the creative sector.
The conference will feature top industry leaders sharing insights on connectivity, cruise growth, and destination partnerships.
Trevor Sadler, an aviation leader, will address the role of connectivity in expanding market access and supporting sustainable growth for SVG.
Under his leadership, InterCaribbean Airways has strengthened regional links, enabling greater ease of travel across the Caribbean and driving visitor arrivals.
Abigail Crossley brings over 25 years of expertise in the cruise and tourism industry.
As Director of Strategic Sourcing OBR at Carnival Corporation, she leads the sourcing and development of shore experiences, overland activities, and pre- and post-cruise services across multiple brands.
Other confirmed panellists include the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, President of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association Isola Giddings, CEO of the SVG Port Authority Carl James, and hospitality leaders from Sandals St. Vincent and Young Island Resort.