St. Vincent and the Grenadines posts strong growth in 2025

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been tapped as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Caribbean for the first half of 2025, marking an exceptional year of growth and investment for the destination.

According to the latest Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) performance report, St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded a 17.3% increase in visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2024, ranking it as the second fastest-growing destination in the region, behind only Guyana (18.3%) and ahead of Curaçao (15.3%) and Trinidad and Tobago (12.3%).

It also emerged as a regional leader in U.S. market growth, with arrivals from the United States soaring by 58.7% year-over-year, the highest increase among Caribbean destinations reporting growth from this key market.

This performance reflects the success of targeted marketing campaigns, new airlift partnerships, and the country’s growing reputation as a diverse, authentic, and immersive Caribbean experience.

Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, observed that: “This remarkable growth underscores St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ emergence as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and promising destinations. It reflects the hard work of our tourism teams, industry partners, and communities across our beautiful island. We are especially proud of the surge from the U.S. market, which validates our investments in airlift expansion and brand visibility. As we continue to build momentum, we will also explore new frontiers in markets such as South America and Asia, ensuring that St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains a globally competitive and inclusive tourism destination.”

Complementing this record growth, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Sandals Resorts International have officially signed a landmark agreement for the construction of a new Beaches Resort at Mount Wynne, representing a US$500 million (EC$1.35 billion) investment — the largest single tourism development in the nation’s history.

The new 500-room family-friendly Beaches Resort will bring world-class hospitality to the west coast of mainland St. Vincent, offering a premier all-inclusive experience for families, groups, and multi-generational travelers. This project underscores the Government’s continued commitment to expanding the country’s tourism infrastructure, creating sustainable jobs, and enhancing the nation’s global visibility as a premier tourism destination.

Minister James said that: “This investment is a game-changer for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It represents confidence in our tourism sector and also in the Vincentian people, their talent, resilience, and hospitality. The Beaches Resort will open doors to thousands of new jobs, stimulate local enterprise, and position our country as a hub for sustainable, family-oriented tourism. It is a testament to our vision of a tourism industry that drives inclusive economic growth, empowers our communities, and celebrates our natural and cultural heritage.”

The Beaches project builds on the successful opening of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines in March 2024, strengthening the partnership between the Government and Sandals Resorts International in elevating the destination’s profile within the Caribbean and beyond.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently experiencing a tourism renaissance, with four major hotel development projects – including the Beaches Resort – set to significantly expand the nation’s hospitality infrastructure and create lasting economic opportunities.

These transformative tourism investments include:

• The Beaches Resort by Sandals Resorts International at Mt. Wynne
• A world-class Marriott Hotel at Peter’s Hope
• The rebuilding of the iconic Palm Island Tourism Development Project
• The Cumberland Resort and Marina, catering to small pleasure crafts and yachting visitors

Collectively, these four projects represent well over EC$2 billion in investment and are expected to create nearly 4,000 jobs, with the Beaches Resort accounting for approximately 2,000 positions across construction, tourism, hospitality, and supporting industries.

Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, pointed out that these developments come at a time when the destination is also diversifying its market reach:

Said Mark: “South America and Asia represent untapped potential for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, markets that align well with our expanding airlift, cultural depth, and experiential tourism focus. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority will be developing strategies to build awareness, foster partnerships, and position our destination as a premier choice for travellers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.”

Go to www.discoversvg.com for more.