Case Study: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sustainable Tourism Development

Our work revitalizing over 20 iconic tourism sites in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through a €5.8 million Sustainable Tourism Development Programme illustrates the power of diversification in action.

The Challenge

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while blessed with natural beauty, faced increasing competition from better-known Caribbean destinations. The country needed to diversify beyond traditional beach tourism to create distinctive experiences that would attract visitors and distribute benefits throughout the islands.

The Approach

Rather than focusing solely on coastal development, our strategy identified unique cultural and natural assets across the islands that could be developed into compelling visitor experiences. These included:

• Historic forts and heritage sites that tell the story of the islands’ complex colonial history
• Volcanic features including the La Soufrière volcano
• Traditional fishing villages and agricultural communities
• Unique ecosystems including rare bird habitats and marine protected areas

Implementation

The programme involved careful restoration and interpretation of these sites, development of supporting infrastructure, training for local guides and service providers, and creation of marketing materials that positioned these experiences within a cohesive destination narrative.

Crucially, local communities were involved at every stage, ensuring that development reflected their values and priorities while creating economic opportunities beyond the traditional tourism centers.

Results

The diversification strategy fueled a 30% tourism boom, with visitors staying longer and spending more as they explored the islands’ diverse offerings. More importantly, benefits were distributed more widely across communities, creating a more inclusive and resilient tourism economy.