By Admin. Updated 3:08 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), one of the smallest countries represented at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, is making a significant impact through innovative use of technology, being among the few nations to incorporate virtual reality for promotional purposes.
Over 150 countries are participating in the Expo, which has been running since April 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in October 2025. The event attracts at least 250,000 visitors daily, according to organisers.
For many attendees, particularly those who have visited SVG’s pavilion over the past few months, it was their first introduction to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. By the time they left the booth, however, many felt immersed in the country, as if they had experienced it firsthand.
Using a VR headset, numerous visitors virtually climbed the La Soufrière volcano, snorkelled in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, enjoyed yacht tours, and explored waterfalls throughout the country.
Describing the experience, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ non-resident ambassador to Japan, Mrs Andrea Bowman, said: “To a large extent, our pavilion’s efforts have succeeded during the six-month period, through the use of an Immersive Virtual Reality Experience, which was a highlight of our pavilion. Ours is one of the few countries that mounted this Virtual Reality Showcase, allowing visitors to dive beneath the waters of SVG, the ‘critter capital of the Caribbean’; hike La Soufrière Volcano; and join a live carnival celebration. Our visitors wallowed in these experiences which made them Vincy to the bone.”
One News SVG’s Demion McTair, who is in Japan to cover the Expo, reported that some attendees expressed excitement about being able to immerse themselves virtually in SVG, adding that this experience increased their interest in learning more about the country.
Word of the platform spread quickly, with some days seeing dozens of people lined up and waiting for hours outside the SVG booth to participate in the immersive experiences, particularly the volcano hike and underwater snorkelling.
Participation in the six-month Expo has generated increased interest in SVG, alongside other countries, as the event approaches its conclusion.
SVG’s participation in the Expo is being led by Invest SVG, with financial support from Japan.
One News SVG 