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Grenada’s total visitor arrivals grew by 8.2% in 2025, reaching 567,679. However, this growth is deceptive. The increase was driven almost entirely by the cruise sector, which masked significant losses in the more lucrative stayover and yachting segments.
According to the Fiscal Resilience Oversight Committee, total arrivals rose from 524,708 in 2024 to 567,679 in 2025. This was fueled by an addition of approximately 56,660 cruise passengers. Conversely, stayover arrivals fell by 4.4% and yacht passenger numbers plummeted by 33%.
The economic impact of this shift is evident in the first-half data for 2025. Despite the influx of cruise ships, combined visitor expenditure dropped from EC$513.58 million (January–June 2024) to EC$469.06 million (January–June 2025)—a decrease of EC$44.52 million, or 8.67%.
Key Facts Breakdown
- Total Arrivals: 567,679 visitors (Up 8.2% from 2024).
- Cruise Dominance: 370,787 arrivals, representing 65.3% of all visitors.
- Stayover Decline: Fell to 186,395 visitors (Down 4.4%).
- Yachting Collapse: Fell to 10,497 passengers (Down 33%).
- Revenue Loss: First-half expenditure dropped by 8.67% to EC$469.06 million.
- Market Erosion: Arrivals from the US fell by 5%, Canada by 7%, and the UK by 6%.
Data Table: Annual Visitor Arrivals (2024 vs 2025)
| Visitor Category | 2024 | 2025 | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise passengers | 314,127 | 370,787 | +18.0% |
| Stayover visitors | 194,914 | 186,395 | −4.4% |
| Yacht passengers | 15,667 | 10,497 | −33.0% |
| Total arrivals | 524,708 | 567,679 | +8.2% |
Data Table: H1 Performance (Jan–Jun 2024 vs 2025)
| Indicator | Jan–Jun 2024 | Jan–Jun 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise visitors | 193,394 | 227,377 | +17.6% |
| Stayover visitors | 103,027 | 92,201 | −10.5% |
| Yacht visitors | 12,717 | 5,753 | −54.8% |
| Visitor expenditure | EC$513.58m | EC$469.06m | −8.67% |
Why This Matters
From a logistical and economic perspective, Grenada is facing a "volume vs. value" crisis. Our analysis of the flight and arrival data indicates that the destination is becoming overly dependent on cruise tourism.
For the local economy, this is a precarious position. Cruise passengers typically spend significantly less per capita than stayover guests, who utilize hotels, long-term rentals, and diverse local services. The 8.67% drop in expenditure, despite higher foot traffic, proves that cruise growth cannot currently replace the revenue lost from the decline in US, UK, and Canadian overnight travelers. For luxury resorts and boutique hotels, the 4.4% dip in stayovers represents a direct hit to occupancy rates and RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room).
Industry Outlook
The priority for 2026 and 2027 must be the stabilization of the stayover market. The decline in core North American and European markets suggests a need for renewed marketing strategies to attract high-net-worth individuals.
Furthermore, the 33% crash in yacht tourism is a red flag for the marine services sector. If this trend continues, Grenada risks losing its competitive edge as a premier sailing destination. Expect a shift in policy toward incentives for long-stay visitors and efforts to increase the "on-shore" spending of cruise passengers to mitigate the revenue gap.
