The port is nestled beneath a wall of green volcanic peaks, the first stop in a chain of 32 islands stretching south towards the Caribbean’s most coveted anchorages.
And now big changes are in store, Caribbean Journal has learned.
Global Port HoldingsThe world’s largest cruise port operator signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Enter into exclusive negotiations regarding management, development and operations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Cruise Port.
Under the agreement, the two sides plan to negotiate a concession agreement under which Global Ports Holding will manage the cruise port on behalf of the government and retain ownership of the facility.
This is a significant move for a destination that has been steadily rising up the southern Caribbean cruise map, building on its strategic location nearby. Barbados, saint lucia and grenada (along with other wider regional destinations such as Acapulco).
It has also become one of the region’s fastest-growing hospitality tourism destinations following the opening of the island’s new Sandals resort.
harbor Kingstown It currently welcomes more than 200,000 cruise passengers each year, a number the company believes is just the beginning.
Once the final deal closes, Global Ports Holding plans a two-phase investment program aimed at modernizing port infrastructure, expanding berthing capacity, accommodating larger cruise ships and improving the passenger experience.
The company also plans to work with government and local stakeholders to help develop new coastal travel opportunities, with a focus on creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful and strategically located destination with enormous potential,” he said. Mehmet KutmanChairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding. “We look forward to working closely with government and local stakeholders to support the country’s development, strengthen the destination’s cruise offering and create lasting value for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
This transaction continues Global Ports Holding’s rapid expansion across the Caribbean, where the company already operates a growing portfolio of cruise ports in destinations including: antigua, Nassau and saint lucia.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is well positioned for southern Caribbean cruise itineraries,” he said. Mike Maura Jr.Regional Director, GPH Americas. “We believe that with the right investments, modernized port infrastructure and operations, an environmentally responsible approach, and a destination-focused management strategy, ports can become more attractive to cruise lines and passengers.”
For cruisers, the timing couldn’t be better.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is enjoying a broader tourism moment, from the birth of new luxury resorts to expanded airlift, and now its cruise port is set to join the wave of investment that is reshaping the destination.
