St. Vincent and Grenadines vie to become premier Caribbean destination

NEW YORK, New York – Home to such diverse attractions as La Soufriere, the famous volcano; Mustique, playground of the stars; and the location for the film Pirates of the Caribbean, St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) is benefiting from numerous capital projects implemented to make the country more attractive to, and better able to host, international visitors.

Breathtaking land and sea locations, sites rich in historical importance, multi-million dollar investments, and now a new more distinct logo to enhance its brand identity – the 32-isle nation of St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) has put measures into place to become one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after tourist destinations.

As part of the capital project, a new SVG logo has been launched. Designed using the national colors, the iconic shape of a seagull’s wings forms the “V” in St. Vincent. The new logo symbolizes SVG as a multi-dimensional experience for visitors – they are free as an all-pervasive bird, with 32 islands to touch on, each with its own character. The seagull is in flight, connoting the freedom to experience and explore all that SVG has to offer.

“SVG is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean. It is time for the secret to be revealed with a new brand identity for this great destination,” explained Glen Beache, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority. “Through several major projects, we will greatly improve our ability to attract and host many more visitors to our islands.”

Major SVG initiatives include:

• The new Argyle International Airport, expected to open by early 2013 and offering direct international jet service from the US, Canada, and Europe

• Development of the luxury Buccament Bay Resort by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts (phase one opened on April 3, 2011)

• US$100 million upgrade of Raffles by Sandy Lane, renaming it the Canouan Resort

• US$60 million upgrade of Petit St. Vincent by its new owners

• Opening of 15 tourist sites through a European Union funded project

• Implementation of standards for hotels, taxis, tour operators, and rental vehicles

“Our 32 islands not only offer guests an incredible variety of experiences, but they do so with their own unique flavor and beauty – from the black sand beaches of St. Vincent to the multi-hued blues of the waters surrounding the Tobago Cays,” said Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Tourism for SVG. “For eco-tourists, those interested in aquatic pastimes, weddings, and even those who just want to getaway and relax, SVG offers both quantity and quality. Our new brand identity is one of the many ways in which we will convey just how unique our country really has emerged.”