Addressing attendees at the official signing ceremony at the Kingstown cruise ship berth, Minister of Tourism, Kishore Shallow, emphasized that the new partnership with Global Ports Holding (GPH) is a lease arrangement aimed at transforming the country’s tourism product while keeping state assets fully in public hands.
Dispelling misconceptions surrounding public infrastructure deals, Dr. Shallow underscored that state facilities are not being privatized. “I’m really happy that the honorable Attorney General mentioned or confirmed that we are only leasing the port and I’m not standing up here today to sell anything,” Dr. Shallow stated, adding that the core purpose of the agreement is ensuring that tourism growth delivers tangible benefits for every Vincentian.
Shallow framed the GPH port agreement within a broader strategic push by the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority to reposition the nation as a more accessible, competitive, and high-value Caribbean destination.
To support this expansion, Shallow highlighted several ongoing initiatives across the tourism sector:
- Accommodation Expansion: Hotel occupancy across the country is currently at maximum capacity, necessitating a rapid expansion of national room stock.
- Airlift and Access: Strengthening strategic relationships with international airlines to expand flight frequency and destination connectivity.
- Service Standards: Raising operational standards and hospitality service delivery through technical leadership and public service training.
The Minister outlined an overarching rebranding strategy built around three core destination pillars: Culture and Celebration, Marine Paradise, and Nature and Adventure. He revealed that a new national tourism logo will be officially unveiled to the public at the Independence Parade at Arnos Vale Stadium.
Emphasizing product authenticity, Shallow stated that visitor experiences must be distinctive enough to ensure guests leave content and eager to recommend St. Vincent and the Grenadines globally. He noted that relying solely on natural beauty is no longer sufficient in an increasingly aggressive regional market.
“The global cruise industry is extremely competitive,” Dr. Shallow observed, noting that neighboring islands actively compete for the same itineraries, vessels, and passenger spend. “We cannot assume that ships will come to our shores simply because we have a beautiful destination… This is where Global Ports Holding will come in and walk their magic”.
In his dual capacity as Minister for Sustainable Development, Shallow stressed that environmental preservation remains non-negotiable. He cautioned that tourism expansion cannot occur “at any cost,” pledging that waterfalls, landscapes, and marine ecosystems will be rigorously protected as core assets of the tourism product.
Reflecting on the history of the Kingstown facility, Shallow recalled that the original terminal was opened in 1999 under the late Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell. Over 25 years later, the nation is expanding its port facilities under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday.
