Construction on a new international airport on the island of St. Vincent has recently begun, with plans for completion in 2011. The new US $178 million airport will increase the ability of foreign tourists to fly directly to the 32-island Caribbean country, which is growing in popularity as destination. Along with the new airport, some are calling for increased investment in regional airlines as the larger carriers cut back due to rising fuel prices.
The Tourism Minister for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Glen Beache, has called on his own government as well as other Caribbean nations to invest in a regional airline, or for increases in the current regional carriers such as LIAT, Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines. This will ensure that direct flights to the islands continue unabated.
In recent years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has grown as a tourist destination and an ideal place for international property investors. With its southern Caribbean location making it as attractive as neighbors Barbados and Antigua, prices are not nearly as high as elsewhere so it is still a relative bargain for those who want to buy.
The new international airport is under construction in the town of Argyle, on the eastern side of the island of St. Vincent. From the airport, it will be an easy drive to the capital city of Kingstown or any part of the island.
