Opinion: The Bridge Between Local Tourism and Actual Tourism

The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.

By Ms. Candy Fraser.

Local Tourism the Grenadines; Bridge Between Local Tourism and Actual Tourism

Local tourism is the Grenadines. It is the people, the daily journeys, the resilience, and the connection between the islands. The real travelers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are not the visitors who come for a week of sunshine. They are the people from Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, Mayreau, Petit St. Vincent, and the surrounding cays. Day after day they navigate the seas, braving sun, rain, and stormy weather to keep their lives, their families, their work, and their communities moving.

Some travel every day for work, running businesses, offices, or services on other islands or the mainland. Some are students commuting to schools or tertiary institutions, dedicating hours of their day just to reach an education. Others travel for errands, family, or leisure. These are the people who sustain the lifeline of the islands, creating a bridge between tourism, trade, and finance. They are the ones who make the islands accessible, connected, and alive.

I was snooping on someone’s Instagram page when I saw the newly elected Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday in November, arriving on a vessel. I assumed he was coming in from Bequia, where he resides. Seeing him in that moment resonated deeply. It was not about ceremony or grandeur. It was about connections. It was about the sea, the boats, the people, and the everyday journeys that keep the Grenadines linked. That image stayed with me because it captures exactly what local tourism is. It is the people, the travel, and the heartbeat of the islands.

It is time to recognize these daily travelers and keep them informed about what is happening on the mainland and across other Grenadine islands. They deserve free access to local football games, carnival events, and cultural experiences, not only during Christmas or special holidays, but throughout the year on occasions they themselves would want to enjoy. There should be fast ferry access, including late night services, so that locals and Vincentians alike can move freely, whether going down to Bequia for a night event or attending celebrations on the mainland. This is how we keep local tourism alive, vibrant, and connected.

It is high time we recognize the true MVPs of our islands. A points card system should be introduced for local tourism, one that acknowledges the people who travel the most and contribute the most. Through this system, locals would earn points every time they travel between the Grenadine islands or to the mainland. Those points could then give them access to free or discounted inter island travel, entry to local football matches and sporting events, carnival activities, cultural shows, and other community experiences.

The Tourism Authority or the Ministry of Tourism can take the lead in implementing this rewards system. By doing so, they would set a national standard for recognizing and supporting local travel while strengthening the foundation of local tourism. This initiative can be developed in collaboration with ferry operators, local businesses, event promoters, and community groups, ensuring that the benefits reach the people who rely on inter island travel the most. With the right partnerships in place, this rewards system can become a practical and sustainable model that celebrates and empowers the true MVPs of the Grenadines.

By rewarding and supporting the people who travel daily, we honor their endurance, celebrate their central role in our islands, and ensure that the Grenadines continue to thrive not just as a destination for visitors, but as a living, connected, and celebrated part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Grenadines travel. They connect. They endure it. They are the true bridge between local tourism and actual tourism.
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About the Author

My name is Candy Fraser, and I currently serve as the Marketing and Public Relations Officer at a notable establishment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am also a marketing major at the University of the West Indies, with a strong passion for marketing, storytelling, and national development.

I spent approximately seven years working in St. Lucia with a tourism-based television company, where I held leadership roles in sales, marketing, and on-camera hosting. One of the key segments I managed, Hidden Gems, focused on highlighting both micro and major accommodation providers across the island. This experience exposed me to invaluable insights into tourism development, community engagement, and destination marketing, while allowing me to work closely with notable individuals and grassroots operators within local communities.

My work also extended to other tourism-focused initiatives, including Taste of the Island, a segment dedicated to showcasing local cuisine, restaurants, and culinary culture. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for how tourism, culture, and community can work together to support sustainable growth.

As a Vincentian, my love for St. Vincent and the Grenadines runs deep. I am committed to seeing my home country grow and evolve alongside other Caribbean nations. I actively involve myself in projects that allow me to learn more about our people and our potential, and I openly share ideas and perspectives rooted in my experiences, with the hope of contributing meaningfully to the country’s future development.

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