Has tourism impacted Grenadian culture negatively or positively?
Grenada, a small dot on the world map compared to many larger islands and countries, is known
worldwide today for its warm sunshine, abundant beaches, beautiful scenery, and friendly
people, thanks to tourism. However, does tourism deserve the spotlight it has been given?
Tourism influences Grenadian culture by preserving culture and pride among locals, promoting
economic growth, and gaining global recognition.
Tourism provides myriad opportunities for preserving Grenadian culture and pride. It highlights
Grenadian traditions, festivals, and music. From popular events like Spicemas and Soca Monarch
to lesser-known ones such as Kayak and Shakespeare Mas in Carriacou, tourism allows for the
transmission and conservation of Grenadian culture. For example, according to Montero (2015),
“Kayaks bring attention to cultural events that are either particular to Carriacou or those that no
longer exist in the Caribbean”. This indicates a degree of pride among locals in expressing their
culture and advocating for its continuation for future generations. “Thus, the Big Drum Festival
or Shakespeare Mas becomes a marketable asset for Grenadian and Carriacouan authorities,
more so than the calypso or steel band music frequently played at island events” (Montero,
2015). This is due to the uniqueness of these events, which attract tourists and aid in
transmission.
Through this transmission and conservation, Grenada receives global recognition for its unique
and one-of-a-kind culture. Grenada is known worldwide as the Isle of Spice for its large
production of spices, in particular, nutmeg. Through tourism, this increases global exposure and
national pride. “Tourists frequently buy neatly packed spice baskets filled with local nutmeg and
mace, cinnamon, cocoa, ginger, clove, and saffron. In addition to this, tourist shops are filled
with merchandise inscribed with “Island of Spice” or “Spice Isle” logos and local nutmeg
products. Grenada embraces the brand as the “Island of Spice” in multiple ways, most
importantly as an identity, which locals are proud of” (Benoit, 2014). Furthermore, cultural
ambassadors such as musicians, athletes, artists, etc., are supported and can obtain international
recognition through tourism, for example, Karani James, the Olympic gold medalist.
In addition to preservation and recognition, tourism brings economic development to the country
and future cultural events. According to Tull (2014), in 2011, visitor expenditure for the 158
visitors of Spicemas amounted to EC$652,271.40, an increase of EC$25,271 from the
EC$627,000 in government investments. Tourists spend thousands of dollars on costumes, local
delicacies, music, and events. This funnels revenue into the country and sustains cultural
institutions and artists. Furthermore, government investments aid in the building and
maintenance of cultural and other infrastructure, such as museums, hotels, and stadiums, which
support future tourism and thus generate more revenue.
Despite the positive effects of tourism on Grenada’s culture and economic development, it also
has negative aspects. Tourism can lead to an erosion of culture and a loss of authenticity as some
aspects of traditions and heritage are simplified to make them more manageable and appealing to
tourists. Deep-rooted historical traditions are converted into shallow, surface-level displays that
lack meaning. “The cultural heritage of Carriacou as a place trapped in the past becomes the
commodity that is sold to tourists. The remnants of a colonial past that left Carriacou almost
devastated ecologically along with the neglect of consecutive Grenadian governments…”
(Montero, 2015). Although tourism may render Grenadian culture susceptible to a loss of
authenticity, it still allows for the spread of culture, no matter how great or small, and serves as a
source of revenue for the country.
Tourism affects Grenadian culture both negatively and positively. It brings benefits such as
cultural preservation and pride among locals, economic advancements, and global recognition.
Yet, it can lead to an oversimplification of the culture to appeal to tourists and a loss of
authenticity.
References
Benoit, L. (2014). Glocal Tourism: Conflicts of Development in Grenada [Master's Thesis,
Brandeis University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences].
[Link]
Montero, C. G. (2015). Tourism, cultural heritage, and regional identities in the Isle of Spice.
Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 13(1), pg 7.
[Link]
Tull, J. (2014) Festival Economic Impacts on Small Developing Economies: A Case Study of
Grenada’s Spice Mas. St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies: The University of
the West Indies.