Welcome to the December edition of the monthly Grenada Board of Tourism
e-newsletter. This month’s edition takes a look at the increase of Canadians to Grenada, the ICC Cricket World Cup, a hotel spotlight on the exotic Blue Horizons Garden Resort, various Island updates, and an authentic Grenadian recipe.

We would like to thank you for taking the time to read the Grenada Board of Tourism e-newsletter and look forward to bringing you more news and information about Grenada in the New Year. Until then have a Merry Holiday Season and a happy New Year!   

For many years Canadians have sought refuge from the chill of winter in warm Caribbean climates. As sunny destinations become part of the winter routine, more and more Canadians have chosen to sun themselves on the pristine white sand beaches of Grenada. From January to October 2006, the number of Canadians visiting Grenada increased by 90% compared to the same period in 2005. The majority of visiting Canadians came from Ontario and spent an average of 10.27 nights.

The soothing scent of spices, vivid pageantry of local festivals, world-class yachting and scuba diving, as well as the seemingly endless fine-sand beaches has made Grenada a perfect year round destination for Canadians. 

The most prestigious event in the Cricket world will be in Grenada from April 10th to 20th, 2007. The top 16 international teams will be competing for the Cup in matches across the West Indies. In preparation for the event, Grenada has completely re-built their National Stadium. The influx of fans expected to the Island is such that Grenada residents are opening up their homes to those who won’t be able to find a hotel.

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Known by Grenada aficionados for its lush tropical setting and truly world-class fine dining, Blue Horizons Garden Resort offers a charming, informal vacation experience for travelers seeking a mix of serenity, nature and Caribbean ambience.

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During the World Travel Trade Market in London, England, Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort was bestowed with two awards in recognition of their reputation of excellence.

The first award was the Caribbean Hotel Association’s (CHA) Crystal Palm Award for Outstanding Caribbean Small Hotel. The Crystal Palm Beach Award recognizes industry partners who have contributed to the development of tourism to the Caribbean from Europe.

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MV Wind Dancer, the most recent inductee into the Grenada Scuba Association, is proud to announce that on-board chef Ryan Edwards has graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Guests on the live-aboard vessel will now be able to enjoy Chef Ryan’s unique culinary flare: a combination of Grenadian flavor and masterful technique.

The Culinary Institute of America is the leading culinary college in the world. For sixty years they have turned out some of the worlds most celebrated chefs, caterers, critics and wine connoisseurs. Congratulations to Chef Ryan Edwards of the MV Wind Dancer for graduating from this prestigious institution. For more information on the MV Wind Dancer and the Grenada Scuba Diving Association, visit: www.grenadagrenadines.com

Here is a creamy Grenadian version of Eggnog that will spice up your holidays.

Ingredients:
6 eggs
piece of lemon peel
3 x 385 mL can evaporated milk
10 oz. can condensed milk
1 tsp. angostura bitters
1 tsp. grated nutmeg
1/2 cup rum (for non-alcoholic version, omit the rum)
crushed ice

Method:
Beat eggs with the lemon peel until light. Add evaporated milk, condensed milk, bitters, nutmeg and rum. Beat lightly. Remove lemon peel. Serve over crushed ice. Serves 8.

From November 27th to 28th, Jocelyn Sylvester-Gairy, Director of Tourism for Grenada, visited Toronto. While here she met with many Canadian media members, promoting tourism and activities in Grenada including the ICC Cricket World Cup coming to the Island in April 2007.  

While in Toronto, Jocelyn Sylvester-Gairy was the special guest speaker at the November 28th Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Munch and Mingle held at the spectacular Pantages Hotel in downtown Toronto. The evening was filled with live jazz music and over 75 attendees that included TMAC travel writers, industry members, officials from the Grenadian community and a representative from Air Canada Vacations.

The tropical punches and tantalizing appetizers prepared by the Pantages gave TMAC members a taste of Grenada, while Air Canada Vacations generously provided one lucky media member a chance to experience Grenada first hand. Award winning travel writer, Toby Saltzman won the evenings grand prize of two executive round-trip tickets from Toronto to Grenada on Air Canada Vacations, plus a week stay at the illustrious Spice Island Beach Resort and Spa. The evening was a success and left a lasting impression with attendees.

For more information on Grenada, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

Air Canada Vacations offers a non-stop flight from Toronto to Grenada from December to April (visit www.aircanadavacations.com). Air Canada and BWIA operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto and Montreal to Barbados or Trinidad with connections on LIAT and Caribbean Star to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours will operate a charter service over the Christmas/New Year’s period (www.ggtours.ca and www.titantours.com). Air Jamaica operates regular direct flights year round out of JFK in New York City.