KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC -The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) says it welcomes the announcement by the government that it is committed to spending an estimated US$20 million upgrading and developing new tourism sites across the Island.
Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture Minister, Carlos James, in his State of the Tourism Industry Address and Stakeholders’ Conference earlier this week, also announced that four new hotel projects should be completed over the next three years as part of a significant expansion of the country’s hotel room stock.
The SVGTA stated that currently, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a room stock of 3,349. With the addition of these new projects, along with the formal inclusion of Airbnb and short-term rental listings representing approximately 400 properties, which amount to 1,100 rooms, the country’s total room stock is projected to reach over 4,450 rooms by 2026/2027.
It stated that this will represent a 34.55 percent increase over 2025 levels, significantly enhancing the island’s capacity to host larger groups, destination events, international conferences, and longer-stay visitors.
The four new hotel projects are the Peter’s Hope Resort Development Project with a 280-room beachfront flagship Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, the 360 room Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Mt. Wynne, Palm Island Development, a new project with phase one scheduled to open in December 2026 and Cumberland Bay Resort Development Project, a 150-room beachfront resort featuring overwater bungalows, cottages, and a hotel and small marina.
“These developments, with an estimated capital investment of close to two billion EC dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents), are expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs across the hospitality sector and related industries, while also addressing seasonality and expanding opportunities for group travel, weddings, conferences, and high-value leisure markets.”
James had told the conference that these new developments represent more than additional rooms, saying “they signify a transformation of our tourism product, strengthening St Vincent and the Grenadines’ competitiveness on the global stage.
“We are committed to ensuring these investments are developed sustainably, aligning with our broad-based economic model and creating real opportunities for our people. This is not mass tourism, but a structured, forward-looking approach to tourism development that balances growth, community benefit, and environmental stewardship.”
SVGTA Chief Executive Officer Annette Mark said the addition of the four hotel projects marks a defining moment for the local tourism sector.
“With increased room stock, we will be able to attract larger events, expand into new markets, and deepen our reach in group travel, MICE, and romance tourism. This expansion also creates significant opportunities for local communities, suppliers, and service providers to benefit directly from the tourism value chain,” Mark said.
The SVGTA stated that it is committed to supporting these developments through enhanced marketing, data-driven visitor engagement, and stakeholder partnerships, ensuring that the benefits of this historic hotel expansion are felt nationwide.
Meanwhile, James stated that the commitment to spending US$20 million over the next three years on upgrading facilities here is designed to focus on enhancing the visitor experience at established attractions while also developing new products that showcase the country’s diverse natural, cultural, and historical assets.
“This investment signals our government’s commitment to strengthening St Vincent and the Grenadines’ position as a premier tourism destination. By upgrading our sites and building out new attractions, we are creating opportunities for communities, enhancing our competitiveness, and ensuring that every visitor has an authentic, memorable, and world-class experience.
“Importantly, this development will be undertaken with sustainability at its core, balancing growth with the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage,” James added.
Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology Minister, Camillo Gonsalves, said tourism is one of the engines of the local economy, and “strategic investments such as this ensure we maximise its potential.
“The US $20 million earmarked for site upgrades and new developments is not just about building infrastructure; it is about creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and ensuring that tourism benefits every Vincentian. This is an investment in growth, sustainability, and inclusive development,” he added.
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