分类： business

CAIPO supports Grenada Chocolate Festival

The 13th iteration of Grenada’s iconic annual Chocolate Festival officially kicked off recently, with the opening ceremony backed by a collaborative partnership between the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) operating under Grenada’s Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs, and the festival’s organizing committee. This year’s gathering centers on the theme “From Roots to Renaissance,” celebrating both the longstanding heritage of Grenada’s cocoa industry and its evolving future on the global stage.

The opening event drew a diverse cross-section of key stakeholders spanning multiple connected sectors: from cocoa cultivation, chocolate production, and agriculture to tourism and intellectual property regulation. Attendees included leadership from the Grenada Cocoa Association, the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA), multiple government ministries, international development partners, independent artisan chocolatiers, smallholder and large-scale cocoa farmers, and visiting industry and policy experts from across the globe.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Grenada, Sen. The Hon. Claudette Joseph used her address to spotlight the island nation’s well-established international reputation as a leading producer of premium fine-flavoured cocoa. She emphasized that generations of dedicated Grenadian farmers have been central to nurturing the one-of-a-kind flavor profile and uncompromising quality that set Grenadian cocoa apart from global competitors. Beyond celebrating the festival’s milestone, the opening ceremony doubled as a critical national platform to advance conversations around formalizing Geographical Indication (GI) status for two of Grenada’s most iconic agricultural exports: Grenada Cocoa and Grenada Nutmeg. For context, Geographical Indications are a globally recognized form of intellectual property protection designed to safeguard products whose unique quality, reputation, and core characteristics are intrinsically tied to their geographic origin.

CAIPO used the occasion to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to strengthening Grenada’s intellectual property regulatory framework, specifically through the active development of a national GI policy, supporting legislative frameworks, and formal technical standards for both Grenada Cocoa and Grenada Nutmeg. This regulatory work is being carried out in close coordination with key domestic stakeholders, including the Grenada Cocoa Association, GCNA, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Tourism. Robert Branch, Registrar of Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property, explained that the GI initiative is a core component of the Grenadian government’s broader economic strategy to boost the global competitiveness of local origin-linked products, expand strategic branding opportunities, and increase the overall market value of these iconic goods.

The 13th Chocolate Festival also created space for stakeholders to explore the future possibility of extending GI protection to Grenada Chocolate, a move that would further support the growth of value-added finished products within the island’s cocoa and chocolate sector. CAIPO also publicly acknowledged the ongoing support from its international development partners, particularly the Caribbean Intellectual Property Initiative (CarIPI) Project and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). These organizations have provided critical technical guidance that has allowed Grenada to build out its GI regulatory infrastructure and expand productive engagement with industry stakeholders across the country.

Attendees also highlighted an upcoming capacity-building initiative: the CarIP MentHERship Programme, titled “Women@Work With IP.” This targeted program is designed to support women entrepreneurs and professionals working in the chocolate sector and across Grenada’s broader intellectual property ecosystem, advancing gender equity in the industry.

As Grenada continues to grow its international recognition for its premium, high-quality agricultural products, CAIPO has committed to continuing its work alongside local producers, industry partners, and global development agencies. The office’s core goal is to ensure Grenadian products receive robust intellectual property protection, gain targeted global promotion, and hold a strong competitive position in international markets. To close the event, CAIPO extended formal congratulations to the Grenada Chocolate Festival Committee, Grenada Cocoa Association, GCNA, local chocolatiers, and cocoa farmers for their ongoing work to preserve and elevate Grenada’s centuries-old cocoa heritage.

1 6 月, 2026
IICA to highlight agricultural entrepreneurship and food security at national seminar

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has announced plans to host its upcoming National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3, 2026, a gathering designed to bring cross-sector stakeholders together to assess the institution’s recent work and chart a new course for strengthening the Caribbean nation’s agricultural landscape.

Per an official press release from IICA, the full event theme is “From Local Fields to Regional Markets: Strengthening Food Security through Trade, MSMEs, and Accountability” — a framing that highlights the core priorities the seminar will address. As a dedicated space for retrospective and forward-looking discussion, the one-day event will center on reviewing all of IICA’s activities carried out across 2025, with a particular focus on unpacking the untapped potential of agricultural micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to drive progress across key national development goals. These include expanding food security, generating new employment opportunities, and stimulating sustainable economic growth in Dominica’s rural communities.

The seminar will kick off with opening addresses from two senior leaders: Gregg C. E. Rawlins, IICA’s Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States, and Hon. Roland Royer, Dominica’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. A centerpiece of the event’s official program is the formal presentation and handover of IICA’s 2025 Annual Report to Minister Royer, a key step in the institute’s commitment to public accountability for its work in the country.

Beyond the annual report presentation, the agenda features a structured panel discussion focused specifically on the role that agricultural MSMEs play in advancing Dominica’s national development. During this session, participating stakeholders will exchange diverse perspectives on both the emerging opportunities and persistent barriers that shape the sector, as well as its outsized importance to long-term national economic progress. The panel draws participants from across public, private, and civil society spheres: Terri Henry-Lovell, Vice President of the Dominica Herbal Business Association; Narrin Murphy, Senior Relationship Officer for Corporate Banking at the National Bank of Dominica Ltd.; and Micah Walter, Coordinator for Private Sector Relations, Industry, Commerce and Innovation within the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.

IICA has formally extended an open invitation to members of the local and international media to attend the event and cover its proceedings, which organizers expect will spark productive public dialogue around institutional accountability, expanded trade opportunities for agricultural producers, and the growing contribution of small-scale agricultural enterprises to Dominica’s overall development trajectory. The seminar will commence at 9:00 AM local time at the Public Service Union Conference Room, located on Valley Road in Dominica’s capital city of Roseau. Parties seeking additional details about registration or event logistics can contact the IICA Delegation based in Dominica for further information.

1 6 月, 2026
Chris Williams appointed honorary chair of Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to set the stage for the next chapter of expansion and community impact, the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica (YEA) has named prominent Caribbean business leader Chris Williams as its new honorary chair, the organization confirmed in an official statement released Tuesday.

The appointment aligns with YEA’s long-term leadership transition plan, as current president Cordell Williams is scheduled to step down from his role in 2026. During Cordell Williams’ tenure, the association has delivered substantial growth, expanding its reach across Jamaica and deepening its national engagement with emerging entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.

Cordell Williams explained that the selection process for the new honorary chair was deliberate and targeted, focused on finding a leader who combines top-tier expertise in global entrepreneurship with a core commitment to nurturing talent, building robust organizational systems, and strengthening institutional capacity. “We reviewed multiple highly qualified candidates, and this decision was made after careful consideration,” he noted. “Chris Williams brings an unparalleled mix of forward-thinking vision, industry credibility, decades of hands-on experience, and a deeply rooted dedication to lifting up the next generation of Jamaican entrepreneurs. He is exactly the leader we need to guide our association to new heights of growth.”

The appointment carries particular symbolic weight: Williams also served as the featured keynote speaker at YEA’s official launch event, marking his return to the organization in a leadership role as a full-circle milestone for both the group and the business leader.

Widely recognized as one of the most successful business figures across the Caribbean, Williams has over 30 years of experience building and scaling high-impact organizations across multiple sectors. He previously held the role of chief executive officer at NCB Capital Markets before going on to co-found PROVEN Group, where he led the firm from its early startup days to a regional financial conglomerate holding roughly US$3 billion in total assets.

Beyond his corporate work, Sir Richard Branson selected Williams to chair the Branson Centre of the Caribbean, where he has supported hundreds of emerging entrepreneurs across the Caribbean region to grow their businesses. He also contributed to the founding of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market as a founding charter committee member, and later served as the market’s deputy chairman. Today, Williams holds positions as co-founder and chairman of Different Group, a real estate investment firm focused exclusively on Caribbean market opportunities.

In his remarks accepting the appointment, Williams stressed that sustainable entrepreneurial growth requires a more intentional, disciplined and structured approach to business building for emerging founders across Jamaica. As honorary chair, he will take on two core responsibilities: serving as a strategic advisor and mentor to YEA’s current leadership team, and working to expand and strengthen the association’s partnerships across the private sector, investment community, national policymakers, and the broader regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.

YEA was founded as a national non-profit organization focused on empowering emerging Jamaican entrepreneurs. It provides members with access to critical business tools, professional networking opportunities, industry knowledge, and growth opportunities designed to help them build sustainable companies, generate new jobs for Jamaican workers, and contribute to long-term economic and social transformation across the country.

1 6 月, 2026
Boca Chica to receive new boardwalk, plaza and park in major tourism upgrade

BOCA CHICA – A sweeping multi-project infrastructure upgrade is underway in the popular coastal community of Boca Chica, after Dominican Republic Tourism Minister David Collado officially launched construction on three major public space developments. Together, the Andrés boardwalk, Plaza Caracoles, and Central Park renovation projects represent a total public investment exceeding RD$414 million, forming a core pillar of the national tourism ministry’s long-term strategy to reposition Boca Chica as a more sustainable, accessible, and economically vibrant destination for both local residents and international visitors.

The centerpiece of the development package is the new Andrés boardwalk, the largest and most well-funded of the three initiatives. With a total investment allocation of RD$380.7 million, the project will span more than 53,800 square meters, running continuously from Brisas del Caucedo Street to the far end of Boca Chica’s beach corridor. Planned improvements extend far beyond a new pedestrian promenade: the scope includes full reconstruction of the waterfront, comprehensive overhauls of local roads and stormwater drainage systems, structural rehabilitation of the aging seawall, and the addition of new public amenities ranging from expanded parking lots and modern public lighting to curated landscaping, multi-use recreational facilities, public sports courts, dedicated children’s play areas, accessible public restrooms, and zoned commercial spaces for local businesses. The project also includes targeted upgrades to a key stretch of the Puerto Caucedo roadway, designed to cut congestion and improve overall traffic mobility for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond the flagship boardwalk project, the tourism ministry has earmarked an additional RD$16.7 million for the complete reconstruction of Plaza Caracoles. The redesigned public space will prioritize pedestrian access and green infrastructure, adding expanded parkland, wider walkable corridors, updated lighting, new urban furniture, enhanced landscaping, and improved accessibility for visitors with disabilities. The third initiative, a full renovation of Boca Chica’s Central Park, carries a separate RD$17 million budget. Planned upgrades for the community’s central green space include expanded native plantings, resurfaced paved walkways, new accessibility ramps, and a complete modernization of the park’s shared public areas.

In comments marking the launch of construction, Minister Collado emphasized that the three projects are more than just infrastructure upgrades: they are designed to drive long-term economic and social revitalization for the Andrés neighborhood, while supporting Boca Chica’s broader destination development strategy. That wider plan includes additional investments across the region, covering beach infrastructure, expanded public security facilities, preservation and restoration of local historic landmarks, and continued upgrades to shared public spaces that benefit both the local community and the tourism economy.

1 6 月, 2026
TWP Attorneys launches ‘Lunch and Learn’ initiative to strengthen development within the legal profession

KINGSTON, Jamaica — TWP Attorneys-at-Law, a prominent local legal practice based in the Jamaican capital, has unveiled its first-ever “Lunch and Learn” Initiative, an innovative professional development project built to bridge the gap between senior and junior legal practitioners through structured mentorship, open knowledge exchange, and intentional collaborative engagement. In an official statement announcing the launch, firm leadership explained that the new programme was created to address a rising unmet demand for organized mentorship frameworks across Jamaica’s legal sector. For years, many early-career attorneys across the country have cited a lack of accessible, structured guidance from experienced professionals as a key barrier to career growth, prompting TWP’s leadership to develop a solution tailored to local needs. Drawing on both decades of on-the-ground observation of Jamaica’s legal landscape and proven successful mentorship models from legal sectors in other countries, the initiative creates a dedicated, low-pressure space for veteran legal practitioners to pass down actionable practical insights, personalized career advice, and hard-earned professional lessons to the next generation of Jamaican lawyers. Unlike traditional training programmes that focus solely on technical legal skills and courtroom procedure, the “Lunch and Learn” sessions go beyond core legal education to introduce participants to the often-overlooked business side of running a legal practice. Key covered topics include efficient law firm operations management, strategic client relationship building, targeted business development for growing legal practices, and planning for long-term financial stability. While the programme is initially designed to support the ongoing professional growth of TWP’s own team of attorneys, firm leadership emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to lifting up Jamaica’s entire legal community. Through recurring “Lunch and Learn” sessions and expanded open mentorship opportunities, TWP aims to strengthen cross-firm professional connections, raise the bar for industry-wide excellence, and help nurture a more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable legal profession across the island. “The legal sector only grows and thrives when those with years of experience intentionally share their knowledge with those just starting their careers,” a firm representative shared in the statement. “This initiative is more than just an internal training programme — it is a reflection of our promise to support emerging legal talent and invest in the long-term future of our profession.” The launch event featured opening remarks from attorney Christopher Townsend, with dozens of attorneys from across the practice taking part in the inaugural session.

1 6 月, 2026
APORDOM highlights record growth in Dominican cruise tourism

SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic’s cruise tourism industry is posting robust, sustained growth, a trend the country’s port authority says is driven by targeted public investments in coastal port infrastructure championed by President Luis Abinader.

The Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) has confirmed that ongoing infrastructure upgrades have cemented the nation’s standing as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after cruise stopovers, while unlocking widespread economic benefits for coastal communities that rely on tourism revenue. Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of APORDOM, outlined the sector’s sharp expansion in recent years, with total annual cruise passenger arrivals more than doubling from roughly 1.2 million in 2022 to a projected 2.7 million by 2025.

Rodríguez stressed that continuous investment across key strategic port locations is critical to highlighting the Dominican Republic’s diverse natural and cultural attractions, and spreading the economic gains of cruise tourism more evenly across regional and local economies. Unlike many competing Caribbean destinations that have struggled to rebuild cruise traffic post-pandemic, the Dominican Republic’s focus on infrastructure has positioned it to capture a growing share of the global cruise market.

Looking ahead to the month of June, APORDOM is forecasting 32 total cruise ship calls across the country’s ports. The Amber Cove terminal in Puerto Plata will lead the way with 17 scheduled vessel arrivals, followed by the Taíno Bay terminal with 13, and Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales with two. Compared to June 2024, when just 26 ships docked at Dominican ports, this represents a 23.1% year-over-year increase in arrivals — a clear indicator of the sector’s ongoing upward momentum. APORDOM also noted that all scheduled arrival plans remain provisional, as final itineraries are always subject to adjustments due to inclement weather and route changes made by individual cruise lines.

1 6 月, 2026
Punta Cana and Bahía de las Águilas earn spots in global travel rankings

The Dominican Republic has received a significant boost to its international tourism standing, as two of its most celebrated coastal destinations have landed spots on elite global travel rankings compiled by two of the industry’s most influential publications. The dual recognitions highlight the nation’s unique ability to cater to both luxury resort seekers and eco-tourism enthusiasts, cementing its reputation as a must-visit Caribbean location.

Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s flagship beach resort destination, secured a place on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the world’s 11 best tropical vacation spots. The publication lauded the region for its postcard-perfect white sand shorelines, consistently warm sunny weather, energetic after-dark entertainment scene, wide array of open-water activities, and guided marine exploration excursions. Punta Cana shares the coveted ranking with other world-famous tropical getaways including the Maldives, the Bahamas, the Philippines, and French Polynesia, confirming its status as one of the Caribbean’s top travel hubs for international visitors.

In a second notable nod to the country’s natural beauty, Lonely Planet named Bahía de las Águilas to its 2026 ranking of the 25 best beaches on the planet. Tucked inside Jaragua National Park in the southwestern province of Pedernales, the remote beach earned praise for its turquoise, crystal-clear waters, untouched powdery shore, and nearly unspoiled natural landscape that has stayed largely free of overdevelopment. The travel guide also drew attention to the area’s extraordinary biodiversity and one-of-a-kind coastal ecosystems, which have already made it a fan favorite among nature-focused travelers across the Caribbean.

The global recognition for Bahía de las Águilas comes as Pedernales emerges as one of the Dominican Republic’s most promising emerging tourism regions. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades and targeted private and public investments to grow the province’s tourism capacity have made the region a central pillar of the Dominican government’s long-term national tourism development strategy. Industry analysts expect the high-profile exposure from Lonely Planet’s ranking to draw a rising wave of international visitors and new investment to the underdeveloped region in the coming years.

Industry observers note that the simultaneous inclusion of Punta Cana and Bahía de las Águilas in these respected rankings underscores the remarkable diversity of the Dominican Republic’s tourism product. By pairing long-established, world-class resort destinations with well-protected, ecologically rich natural treasures, the country is successfully expanding its global tourism brand and appealing to a far broader range of travelers, from adventure and nature lovers to travelers seeking all-inclusive luxury beach getaways.

1 6 月, 2026
Dominican Republic named Special Guest Country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires

The Caribbean’s fast-growing tourism powerhouse, the Dominican Republic, is set to claim the global spotlight at the 2026 International Tourism Fair of Latin America (FIT), after being officially selected as the event’s Special Guest Country. This prestigious designation not only highlights the nation’s rapid ascent to become one of the Caribbean’s top travel destinations but also opens a unique door to deepen its market penetration across high-potential South American tourism economies.

FIT 2026 is scheduled to run from September 26 to 29 at Buenos Aires’ iconic La Rural exhibition center. This year’s edition will launch a significantly expanded International Pavilion, a change that mirrors the event’s growing global reputation as a leading hub for tourism marketing, business collaboration, and cross-industry professional networking. Each iteration of FIT draws a diverse roster of stakeholders, including national and regional tourism boards, global airline carriers, major hotel conglomerates, international tour operators, cross-border investment funds, and seasoned tourism industry professionals from every corner of the globe.

As the 2026 Special Guest Country, the Dominican Republic is planning a comprehensive showcase that goes far beyond its signature sun-and-beach travel offerings. The nation will put a spotlight on its fast-expanding niche tourism segments, including high-end luxury getaways, world-class golf courses, farm-to-table gastronomy, wellness retreats, corporate meetings and incentive travel, rugged adventure excursions, immersive cultural experiences, and tourism-linked real estate developments. Beyond promotion, the Dominican delegation will also leverage the event as a strategic platform to court new foreign direct investment, lock in stronger commercial partnerships with South American tourism players, and expand direct air connectivity links between the Caribbean nation and key South American markets.

The designation arrives as the Dominican Republic continues to break its own annual tourism arrival and revenue records, while executing a deliberate strategy to diversify its tourism product portfolio beyond traditional offerings. Industry analysts widely expect the nation’s high-profile participation at FIT 2026 to solidify its standing as a leading global travel destination and further boost its reputation as one of the most dynamic and appealing tourism markets in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

1 6 月, 2026
Flow Antigua and Barbuda prepared for 2026 Hurricane Season

As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, officially kicking off on June 1, leading regional telecommunications provider Liberty Caribbean — parent company of consumer brands Flow and BTC, and enterprise division Liberty Business — has formally announced it has completed all preparations to protect its networks and support communities across the Caribbean throughout the storm season, which runs through November 30.

The company’s latest readiness push comes on the heels of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread disruption across Jamaica in 2025. That devastating storm served as a critical reminder of how vital resilient communications infrastructure is for crisis response across the hurricane-prone Caribbean region. In the aftermath of Melissa, Liberty Caribbean accelerated ongoing investments to harden its networks and sharpen its emergency response capabilities across all 20+ markets it serves.

“Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that connectivity is far more than technology. In moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline for families, businesses, emergency responders, and governments,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean. “The lessons from that experience have further strengthened our resolve and accelerated our investments in network resilience, operational preparedness, and recovery capabilities across the region. We remain committed to ensuring our customers and communities can rely on us when it matters most.”

Over the 12 months following Hurricane Melissa, the company has rolled out a series of strategic infrastructure upgrades across its footprint. In Jamaica alone, upgrades include a major overhaul and expansion of the mobile network, increased spectrum capacity, more diverse transport routes to avoid single points of failure, hardened physical infrastructure to withstand extreme winds and flooding, expanded backup power systems, and additional network redundancy to minimize outages and speed up recovery efforts if service is disrupted.

Beyond physical infrastructure upgrades, Liberty Caribbean has also ramped up operational preparedness across all markets. The company has conducted regular full-scale emergency response simulation drills, pre-staged fuel and critical logistics supplies across key hubs, and strengthened cross-functional coordination between local teams, regional leadership, and external partners to enable rapid mobilization the moment a storm threatens.

While forecasters at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a milder-than-average 2026 season, Smidts emphasized that the company is preparing for the worst regardless of projections. NOAA’s official outlook puts the chance of a below-normal season at 55%, compared to a 35% chance of near-normal activity and just a 10% chance of an above-normal season. The agency forecasts 8 to 14 named storms (with winds of 63 km/h or higher) for the season, 3 to 6 of which will strengthen into hurricanes (with winds of at least 75 mph). Of those hurricanes, 1 to 3 are expected to reach major hurricane strength (Category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 115 mph or more). By comparison, an average Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly to modernize our infrastructure, strengthen operational readiness, and improve how we respond during emergencies. While no network is immune to extreme weather events, our focus remains on building stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems capable of supporting the Caribbean through disruption and recovery alike,” Smidts added.

With more than 150 years of history serving communities across the Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean frames its hurricane preparedness work as a core part of its commitment to the region. “We understand the responsibility that comes with serving the Caribbean. Our commitment extends beyond connectivity alone. It is also about supporting the resilience of the communities we serve and standing beside them before, during, and after times of crisis,” Smidts said.

To complement its own preparations, Liberty Caribbean is urging all residential and business customers across the region to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and stay updated on weather forecasts and official alerts throughout the 2026 season.

As a leading regional communications and technology provider, Liberty Caribbean serves more than 20 Caribbean markets. It delivers broadband, mobile, video, and voice services to residential consumers via its Flow and BTC brands, while its Liberty Business division provides enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data center services to private businesses and government agencies, supporting digital economic growth across the region.

1 6 月, 2026
UN Tourism in support of Grenadian entrepreneur

At the 12th World Free Zones Organisation (WFZO) World Congress held in Panama, a landmark new joint report from UN Tourism and WFZO has placed Tourism Special Economic Zones (TSEZs) firmly at the center of global economic development discourse, with Citez Grenada Ltd. emphasizing the transformative potential of this model for small island developing states across the Eastern Caribbean. Titled *Rethinking Investable Destinations: An Approach to Tourism Special Economic Zones*, the report arrives at a critical juncture for the region, where governments and private stakeholders are actively pursuing new pathways to attract foreign capital, diversify traditional tourism offerings, uplift local cultural enterprises, and strengthen their overall global investment competitiveness.

Cory Zufelt, founder of Grenada-based economic development firm Citez Grenada Ltd., joined a high-profile panel discussion at the congress titled Anchoring Tourism and Culture in the Knowledge Economy, alongside an international lineup of sector leaders including Peter Janech, UN Tourism’s Coordinator of Education, Innovation and Investments; Liriola Pitti, Executive Director of AEI Panama; and Juan Carlos Abud, Minister of Economic Development of Jujuy, Argentina. The conversation, moderated by Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Director of International Promotion and Business Development at Araújo Ibarra Consultores en Negocios Internacionales, centered on a paradigm shift in how global tourism is evaluated: no longer is success measured solely by annual visitor arrival numbers, but by tourism’s capacity to drive broad-based gains including cross-sector investment, innovative enterprise development, cultural export growth, high-skilled job creation, expansion of digital services, scaling of local small businesses, and long-term improvements to national economic competitiveness.

Currently, Citez Grenada is collaborating directly with UN Tourism to advance planning for a more than 100-acre pioneering economic development project in the Eastern Caribbean, designed to test and demonstrate a modern, zone-integrated model that unites tourism, cultural enterprise, digital trade, workforce upskilling, streamlined investment facilitation, and inclusive local business participation.

For small island developing states like Grenada, Zufelt argued, the rising global focus on TSEZs is inseparable from the region’s long-term economic future. “Tourism can no longer be seen only as a visitor economy,” he noted. “For small island states like Grenada, tourism must become a platform for investment, knowledge economy, business creation, skills development, digital services and export growth. The opportunity is to move from simply attracting visitors to building systems that allow visitors, investors, founders, diaspora members and local businesses to participate in the economy in a deeper way.”

Citez Grenada’s analysis positions the country as having unique potential to emerge as a regional leader in this emerging development model, provided it moves quickly to update its national economic zone regulatory framework, and aligns public policy with priorities including expanded digital infrastructure, workforce development, and targeted investment attraction.

The new UN Tourism-WFZO report formalizes TSEZs as a core pillar of next-generation special economic zone development, noting that modern TSEZ competitiveness extends far beyond traditional tax incentives. Instead, successful zones are defined by the quality of their overall ecosystem: including transparent, effective governance, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, end-to-end investor support, robust environmental stewardship, inclusive community participation, and strong interconnected supply chains that link the zone to the broader national economy.

Zufelt emphasized that Grenada’s competitive edge extends well beyond its well-known natural beauty and tourism appeal. The country’s unique combination of strong business tourism infrastructure, growing digital connectivity, rich cultural heritage, established reputation for safety and quality of life, existing talent pool, deep diaspora connections, and strategic geographic location creates a powerful foundation for building a globally competitive, investment-ready TSEZ platform. “Grenada already has an emotional attraction. People love the country. The question now is how we convert that attraction into long-term value. How do we turn a visitor into an investor, a cultural experience into an export, a local product into a global brand, and a tourism destination into a knowledge economy platform?” he said.

The proposed TSEZ model being developed for Grenada is structured to be led by the private sector, while building intentional, direct linkages that create opportunities for local workers, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, domestic suppliers, cultural practitioners, and diaspora investors to participate in and benefit from the zone’s growth.

Across the globe, Zufelt noted, nations are increasingly turning to zone-based development tools to attract global capital, improve national investment readiness, deliver critical infrastructure, diversify tourism economies, and build new sustainable engines of employment. With forward-thinking policy alignment, he argued, Grenada can capture a first-mover advantage across the Eastern Caribbean to position itself as a regional hub for TSEZ-led development.

“This is a moment for Grenada to be bold but strategic,” Zufelt added. “The world is now looking at Tourism SEZs as platforms for sustainable investment and broader economic transformation. Grenada has the culture, the people, the location, and the brand but it must act fast. What is needed now is the framework to organise that opportunity.”

Headquartered in Grenada, Citez Grenada Ltd. is a locally owned economic development company focused on building integrated platforms for trade, investment, business services, migration, workforce development, digital onboarding, tourism, culture, and future-focused industries. It is a member of the global Citez Global network, with a core mission to position the Eastern Caribbean as a strategic connection point for global business, investment, tourism, culture, innovation, and sustainable development. UN Tourism is the United Nations’ specialized agency leading global efforts to advance responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, serving as the leading global forum for tourism policy dialogue and a central source of sector knowledge for governments, destinations, investors, and industry stakeholders. The World Free Zones Organisation is the leading global body supporting special economic zones, free zones, and industrial parks, facilitating cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and dissemination of best practices to position zones as catalysts for inclusive, sustainable economic growth.

1 6 月, 2026