AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Antigua hosted the 14th NACC regional meeting of civil aviation directors (June 1–5), with ICAO and OECS-ECCAA partners discussing safety, security, sustainability and regional cooperation—an important reminder that air links are the lifeblood for small islands like Grenada. Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO’s Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Grenada among the participating tourism delegations and a full slate of strategy sessions on marketing, airlift and sustainability. Grenada Luxury Hotel Pipeline: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, bringing 120 rooms and a new international luxury brand to the island. Blue Economy Funding for Grenada: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Travel Demand & Seasonality: Summer 2026 travel is trending with more discounted, less-crowded Caribbean beach breaks—useful timing for Grenada visitors planning around hurricane season.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region, including Grenada, are set to gather in Manhattan starting June 1 for Caribbean Week 2026 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with opening remarks from USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Canada has launched free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on flights to and from Caribbean and Mexican sun destinations, aiming to improve the onboard experience for travelers heading to the islands. Grenada Luxury Pipeline: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is scheduled to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, bringing 120 rooms and a new luxury option adjacent to Six Senses. Grenada Tourism Mood: A travel feature highlights Grenada’s “Spice Isle” appeal as more personal than packaged—rooted in local food, culture, and community experiences. Regional Travel Context: The Caribbean is bracing for a wetter-than-usual summer with drought lingering in parts of the region, while summer travel is trending toward quieter, less-crowded beach escapes. OECS Blue Economy Funding: OECS has launched a second call for proposals (Window 2) for MSME matching grants supporting value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse, a 120-room beachfront luxury resort opening in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, aiming to blend international standards with Grenadian culture and scenery. Tourism Demand & Planning: A new travel roundup says summer 2026 Caribbean searches are up, with Sint Maarten, Aruba and San Juan seeing the biggest spikes—an early signal that travelers are booking longer stays ahead of peak crowds. Quiet Beach Getaways: Travel coverage highlights Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach as a top pick for visitors seeking warm water, white sand, and easy access to comforts without the bustle. Caribbean Events in New York: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1 at InterContinental Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with tourism ministers and leaders set for meetings, workshops and a June 3 marketing conference keynote by Henry Harteveldt. Climate & Water Worries: Reports warn the Caribbean’s 2026 dry season is worsening drought conditions, with heat and rainfall swings threatening ecosystems and tourism infrastructure—Grenada is specifically mentioned among affected islands. Local Business Support: OECS has launched Window 2 of its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for Blue Economy value chain groups across Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, offering USD $100,000–$150,000 grants.

Caribbean Tourism & Events: Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with a regional delegation of tourism ministers and leaders under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” plus a June 3 marketing conference featuring airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. Grenada Luxury Hotels: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse (120 rooms) is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, adding another major premium flag to Grenada’s luxury pipeline. Grenada Travel Experience Spotlight: A new destination feature highlights Grenada’s “Spice Isle” identity—nutmeg, cocoa and local culture—plus food-led tours and Spicemas energy. Blue Economy Funding (Grenada-focused): The OECS launched Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme for value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism and waste management, offering USD $100,000–$150,000 grants across Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Climate & Water Pressure: A regional report warns drought and extreme weather are disrupting Caribbean ecosystems and tourism infrastructure, with Grenada named among islands facing water stress. Connectivity Perk for Travelers: Air Canada rolls out free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on flights to Caribbean and Mexico. Safety & Justice Watch: A family of a British man found dead in Grenada says UK authorities failed to support their justice fight, after claims of torture and homicide classification. Regional Security: Border security cooperation gets a boost as CARICOM IMPACS chiefs meet to strengthen coordinated responses to cross-border crime.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with CTO ministers and leaders meeting under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” spotlighting airlift, sustainability, marketing, and next-gen tourism. Grenada Luxury Boost: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, bringing 120 rooms and a new IHG luxury presence to Grenada’s premium market. Grenada Tourism Spotlight: A destination feature highlights Grenada’s “Spice Isle” identity beyond spices—linking food, culture, and community experiences to what visitors feel is more personal than packaged. OECS Blue Economy Funding: The OECS Commission launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management with USD 100,000–150,000 grants. Regional Border Security: CARICOM IMPACS chiefs of immigration and customs met in Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen coordinated action against fraudulent travel and cross-border crime. Grenada Governance Watch: Grenada’s Opposition Leader called for a formal probe into allegations involving a Nigerian delegation hosted for African Liberation Day, after claims of misconduct toward hotel workers.

Luxury Hotel Pipeline: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse (120 rooms) is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, adding a new IHG luxury flagship next to Six Senses and targeting premium travelers with “sophisticated yet relaxed” Caribbean design and service. Destination Spotlight: Grenada is being framed as more than “Spice Isle,” with tourism messaging focused on authentic culture, cocoa/spice heritage, local markets, and food experiences that feel personal. Tourism & Connectivity: Air Canada has launched free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on Caribbean and Mexican routes, a boost for visitor convenience and longer onboard stays. Regional Funding for Coastal Tourism: OECS launched the second call for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, backing value chain groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management with USD $100,000–$150,000 grants. Safety & Accountability: Grenada’s Opposition Leader called for a formal probe into allegations involving a Nigerian delegation hosted for African Liberation Day, after claims of inappropriate conduct toward hotel workers in the south. Caribbean Travel Demand Signals: Summer 2026 search spikes highlight Sint Maarten, Aruba and San Juan as fast-rising picks—useful context for Grenada’s own shoulder-season planning. Industry Leadership: Henry Harteveldt will keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference during Caribbean Week in New York, focusing on airline trends and how destinations can secure stronger air connectivity.

Luxury Hotel News: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, bringing 120 rooms and a new IHG luxury brand to Grenada’s premium beachfront scene. Tourism Spotlight: A fresh Destination Spotlight highlights Grenada’s “Spice Isle” identity beyond spices—pointing to culture, food traditions, and more personal-feeling experiences. Regional Funding for Tourism & Blue Economy: The OECS has launched the second call for proposals for Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, supporting Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management with grants of USD $100,000–$150,000. Border Security: CARICOM IMPACS chiefs meeting in Antigua and Barbuda focused on stronger regional coordination to tackle fraudulent travel and cross-border crime, including pre-vetting roles affecting transit routes that can involve Grenada. Connectivity Upgrade: Air Canada has rolled out free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on Caribbean flights. Local Safety Alert: Grenada Coast Guard is searching for two men from Carriacou missing at sea after reported engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny.

Luxury Hotel Watch: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026 on La Sagesse Bay, bringing 120 rooms and a new international luxury brand to Grenada’s premium tourism pipeline. Tourism Spotlight: A new destination feature highlights Grenada’s “Spice Isle” identity—its culture, food traditions, and more personal-feeling experiences beyond the usual curated stops. Blue Economy Funding: The OECS has launched the second call for proposals under the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (Window 2), supporting Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management across Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Connectivity Perk for Visitors: Air Canada has rolled out free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on flights to Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Safety & Travel Alerts: Grenada’s Met Service reports moderate to strong winds and a marine advisory with waves up to 8 feet—choppy seas and hazards for small craft. Local Tourism & Community: Grenada’s Flower and Garden Festival launch follows the island’s latest Chelsea Flower Show gold medal, reinforcing the growing events calendar for visitors. Maritime Search: Authorities continue searching for two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea near Kick ’em Jenny. Governance & Tourism Climate: A regional border-security update stresses better information-sharing to tackle fraudulent travel and cross-border crime—relevant for smoother arrivals. Controversy in the Spotlight: Grenada’s Opposition Leader calls for an urgent probe into allegations involving a Nigerian delegation hosted for African Liberation Day.

Luxury Hotels: InterContinental is set to open InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse, a 120-room beachfront resort beside Six Senses on La Sagesse Bay, scheduled for November 2026—another major boost to Grenada’s high-end tourism pipeline. Regional Funding for Tourism & Fisheries: The OECS has launched Window 2 of its Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, offering USD $100,000–$150,000 grants to Value Chain Groups in fisheries, coastal tourism, and waste management across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Connectivity Upgrade: Air Canada has rolled out free, streaming-quality Wi‑Fi for Aeroplan members on flights to and from Caribbean and Mexican destinations, aiming for gate-to-gate broadband speeds. Safety & Travel Alerts: Grenada Meteorological Service reports mostly fair but windy and hazy conditions, plus a marine advisory with waves up to 8 feet—choppy seas could affect fishermen and small craft. Justice & Tourism Concerns: A British family says UK authorities failed to support their fight for justice after the death of Andrew Frederick in Grenada, raising questions about how cases are handled between local police and the UK FCDO. Sea Search: Grenada Coast Guard is seeking two missing men from Carriacou after a reported engine trouble incident near Kick ’em Jenny.

Luxury Resort Watch: InterContinental is set to open InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse, a 120-room beachfront luxury property on La Sagesse Bay, scheduled for November 2026—positioned as a flagship IHG stay next to Six Senses. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Grenada’s “Isle of Spice” display won gold again at the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival “Grenada in Bloom” was officially launched in London ahead of Nov 8–15. Regional Links: Grenada’s PM called for deeper Africa–Caribbean trade and investment ties during African Liberation Day, with tourism and youth/tech partnerships highlighted. Community & Safety: Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre demanded a formal probe into allegations involving a Nigerian delegation hosted for African Liberation Day, after claims of inappropriate conduct toward hotel workers. Travel Risk Alert: Grenada Meteorological Service reports moderate to strong winds and a marine advisory with waves up to 8 feet—expect choppy seas and hazardous conditions for small craft. Opportunity for Innovators: Applications are open for the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026, with reserved finalist spots for SIDS including Grenada. At-Sea Search: Authorities are searching for two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea after engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny; anyone with sightings should contact the Grenada Coast Guard via 911.

Grenada Flower & Garden Festival Launch: Grenada’s horticulture is getting global spotlight again after winning a ninth straight gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, and the official launch of the Nov 8–15 “Grenada in Bloom” festival was marked in London with a reception tied to the Grenada Tourism Authority. Spice Replanting for Diaspora Homecoming: Grenada’s Diaspora Homecoming will include “Spice Replanting Day” on June 28, with returning Grenadians helping replant nutmeg and spice trees damaged by recent hurricanes. Caribbean Tourism Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” bringing regional tourism leaders together for strategy meetings and workshops. Maritime Search (Carriacou): Grenada Coast Guard is urging help in the search for two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea after engine trouble near Kick ’em Jenny. Weather Watch: Grenada Meteorological Service reports mostly fair but windy and hazy conditions, plus a marine advisory with waves up to 8 feet.

Grenada Tourism & Culture: Grenada just secured another gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the ninth straight year, with its “Isle of Spice” display highlighting tropical flowers, foliage and spices—an international boost that also helped officially launch the Grenada Flower and Garden Festival (Nov 8–15, 2026). Festival Launch in the UK: The London reception—hosted by the Governor General and backed by the Grenada Tourism Authority—positioned “Grenada in Bloom” as a tourism, culture and investment platform. Maritime Safety: Search continues for two men from Carriacou reported missing at sea after engine trouble; the Coast Guard is asking boat owners and fishermen to keep watch and call 911 with any sightings. Weather Watch: Grenada is under a strong-winds and marine advisory, with waves forecast up to 8 feet—expect choppy seas and hazards for small craft and beachgoers. Regional Travel Context: A new regional push is calling for a unified ECCU/CARICOM air-and-sea transport strategy, arguing connectivity failures are holding back tourism and trade. Wellness Travel Spotlight: Travel and Tour World ranked top wellness destinations across the Americas and Caribbean for 2026, reflecting growing demand for nature-led, slower, sustainable trips.

Citizenship & travel planning: A fresh roundup is pushing the idea that dual citizenship can be pursued “more easily” than people expect—though it still comes with big costs and strict eligibility rules. Caribbean tourism push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing senior regional officials together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Grenada festival spotlight: Grenada officially launched its inaugural Flower and Garden Festival, “Grenada in Bloom,” set for Nov 8–15, with the launch timed to Grenada’s latest Chelsea Flower Show success. Local roads & visitors: A temporary closure at Caricom Roundabout into True Blue runs May 23–24, 8am–4pm, for culvert installation, with a signed diversion via Sugar Mill Roundabout and Dusty Highway. Sport & community: Nevis’ Immortals Track Club returned from Grenada’s Whitsuntide Games with five medals, while Grenada’s Whitsuntide action continues to draw regional attention.

Grenada Tourism Push: Grenada has officially launched its inaugural Flower and Garden Festival “Grenada in Bloom” for Nov 8–15, 2026, unveiled in London by Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade and timed with Grenada’s 19th Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show—a clear bid to turn horticulture into tourism, culture, and investment. Local Travel Disruption: If you’re driving this weekend, expect delays: a temporary road closure at Caricom Roundabout into True Blue runs Sat May 23 and Sun May 24, 8am–4pm for a cross culvert installation, with a posted diversion via Sugar Mill Roundabout and Dusty Highway. Regional Transport Debate: Across the ECCU/CARICOM, commentators are again pressing for a unified transport strategy as intra-Caribbean airlines keep cutting routes or collapsing—an issue that directly affects how easily visitors and goods reach islands. Health Watch: A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship (MV Hondius) has been reported with multiple cases and deaths, while officials say general public risk remains low.

Ireland Squad Update: Jack Moylan is back in the Republic of Ireland squad for Thursday’s friendly vs Qatar after injury withdrawals reshuffled Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans, with Moylan and Dara O’Shea recalled following Moylan’s hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Grenada. Regional Transport Talk: A fresh push is building for a unified ECCU–CARICOM transport strategy, as intra-Caribbean air links keep shrinking and carriers exit or cut routes. Grenada Festival Buzz: Grenada officially launched “Grenada in Bloom,” its Flower and Garden Festival running Nov 8–15, unveiled in London alongside Chelsea Flower Show acclaim and framed as a mix of floriculture, sustainability, culture, tourism, and investment. Local Life & Travel: A temporary road closure at Caricom Roundabout to True Blue runs May 23–24 (8am–4pm) for culvert installation, with a diversion route in place. Public Health Watch: Grenada coverage also flags concern about Saharan dust and potential respiratory irritation, urging extra caution for people with allergies or breathing conditions.

Festival Launch Buzz: Grenada has officially kicked off its new Flower and Garden Festival, “Grenada in Bloom,” with a London reception hosted by Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade, timed to the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show where Grenada won Gold again (its 19th time, and 9th year in a row). The festival runs Nov 8–15 and is being pitched as more than pageantry—an “ecosystem of ideas” linking floriculture, sustainability, tourism, culture, and investment. Tourism & Wellness Push: Travel and Tour World also released a Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations list for 2026 across the Americas and Caribbean, reflecting a continued shift toward shorter, nature-led, wellness-focused trips. Local Governance & Roads: A temporary road closure at Caricom Roundabout into True Blue is set for May 23–24, 8am–4pm, for culvert installation. Public Safety Watch: Ras Simba says marijuana laws are confusing and that authorities struggle to distinguish medicinal cannabis from illegal use—while he urges responsible public behavior. Travel Industry Pressure: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against a reported Booking.com policy that could raise commission costs by applying them to taxes too.