The Ministry of Tourism’s statistical department reports an overall increase in visitor arrivals to the destination of St. Vincent & the Grenadines for the period January-November 2007. During this period the total visitor arrivals recorded an increase of 16.5% over the corresponding period for 2006, with an actual increase of 41,860 visitors.

The Marine Sector continues to do very well. Yacht visitors increased by 8,398 an 11.4% increase over the previous year. Special mention must be made of the period April to November 2007 which reflected a steady increase in yacht visitors in comparison to last year. During this time the second quarter figures (April-June) increased by 11,816/70.8% while the third quarter (July-Sept) had an increase of 7,168/125.3%.

Similarly, the cruise sector continues to improve favorably with cruise passenger figures amounting to 124,173 in 2007 in comparison to 82,217 in 2006. This represents a significant increase of 51%. 

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) statistics release has highlighted the fact that St. Vincent & the Grenadines ranked 2nd among 29 destinations in the region for increase in Jan-Nov 2007 cruise passengers. St. Vincent & the Grenadines had a remarkable 50.9% increase second only to ST. Lucia. Our increase contributed significantly to the overall 2% increase which the region saw in Cruise visitor arrivals.

Stay Over visitors registered a 6.3% increase for the first quarter of 2007. However for the period April to November there was an overall decline in the Stay- Over and Same Day categories. This period had a 7.6 and 23.8% decline respectively.