BY: KRISTINA RAMCHARRAN
On February 14, 2017, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be debuting their first international airport, the Argyle International Airport, which will act as a replacement to their current airport ET Joshua Airport. This airport is the largest capital project ever taken on by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ government.
In collaboration with GG Tours of Toronto, the SVG tourism authority has organized that a Sunwing chartered craft will be the first International flight landing at Argyle International Airport. The airport features an almost 3,000-metre-long runway, and forty-five metres wide. The large size makes it able to accommodate large aircrafts like the Boeing 747-400s.
The terminal building at a size of 171,000 square feet, can hold 1.5 million passengers a year, which makes it more than five times the space of the previous ET Joshua airport. Travellers in the airport can enjoy three restaurants and numerous kiosks to shop from. There are also twenty-three commercial spaces in the airport that will be the home to some exciting retailers and more.
The first flight #WG262 leaves Pearson international Airport at 9:30am and will arrive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 3:40pm. The return flight leaves SVG on February 21st at 4:55pm and arrive in Toronto at 9:45pm. This gives travellers the opportunity for a one week stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.The flights are priced at $899 roundtrip and $449 one-way.
Although the Sunwing flight will be the first flight to the new airport, the airline will not be regularly scheduled to make trips to and from Argyle International Airport.
Announcements on which airlines will be regularly travelling to and from the airport will be made in coming days.
The airport will receive regional flights from Antiguan airline LIAT and other chartered airlines operating out of St. Vincent and Grenadines. Before regular scheduled flight services kick in, travellers going to St. Vincent will be connected either in Trinidad or Barbados.
The new airport is expected to be a great economic contributor by attracting direct flights from larger nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more. It will also make the multi island destination much more accessible than previously. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of thirty-two islands and cays located in the Eastern Caribbean region.
The islands and cays are home to a wide array of attractions in which travellers can take part in almost anywhere. Popular activities include world class sailing, superior diving and eco tours. Scuba divers have over 100 diving sites to choose from, all featuring rare aquatic species and breathtaking coral reefs. The eco tours include exciting first hand looks of the nature the islands have to offer. This includes trekking on an active volcano, visiting private serene beaches or visiting one of many pristine waterfalls for a swim.
The island caters to all needs of travellers and tourists with its attractions as well as accommodations. New hotel projects in the islands are currently underway to assure for as much accommodation and variety.
Some islands, like Mustique offer stays for those who want to feel like the rich and famous. There are around seventy luxury villas available for rent, each complete with staff including a cook, maid and gardener. Mustique, being the ideal island for those seeking peace and quiet, lacks the modern every day hustle and bustle of other areas. This island also includes one hotel and one guest house for those seeking a simpler vacation option.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also the home to spectacular destination wedding vacations. Complete with exclusive resorts and private islands, those interested in planning an island wedding have all the resources they need right on the islands. The new airport will be ideal for wedding parties and travellers alike going to and from the islands.
Seats for the inaugural flights can be booked through GG Tours, or through any Canadian travel agent. The flight from St. Vincent and Grenadines can be booked through local travel agencies across the country. Passengers are subject to a fifty pound checked luggage limit, and a maximum of eleven pounds for carryon luggage. For more information on the inaugural flight and St. Vincent and the Grenadines tourism visit discoversvg.com.
