ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (Sept. 16, 2026) — Grenada recorded a 20% increase in total visitor arrivals during the 2026 Spicemas period, underscoring the festival’s continued growth as one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive cultural tourism experiences.
Arrival figures for the 10-day period covering the height of the Spicemas season, Aug. 2-11, 2026, show that total arrivals increased from 9,448 in 2025 to 11,299 in 2026. Non-national tourist arrivals recorded particularly strong growth, rising from 8,040 in 2025 to 9,958 in 2026, a 24% increase over the previous year.
Adrian Thomas, minister for tourism, creative economy and culture, said the growth reflects the increasing strength of Spicemas as both a national celebration and an important driver of Grenada’s tourism and creative economy.
“Spicemas continues to demonstrate the power of culture as a pillar of Grenada’s tourism development. This growth in arrivals speaks to the appeal of our people, our creativity, our music and the experiences that visitors and returning nationals seek when they come to Grenada. We remain committed to supporting product development, cultural preservation and the continued strengthening of events that create opportunity for our communities and bring economic benefit across the country.”
The 2026 performance also represents sustained growth compared with the 2024 Spicemas period, when Grenada recorded 7,970 arrivals during the comparable 10-day window.
The festival period generated strong activity across accommodations, transportation, restaurants, entertainment venues, tour operators, vendors and other tourism-linked businesses, further demonstrating Spicemas’ broader economic impact.
