St Vincent and the Grenadines is investing five million euros into 20 sustainable projects with the support of the European Commission.
The group of 32 Caribbean islands will ensure the projects, including upgrading waterfalls, hiking trails and botanical gardens, will be managed by community groups and overseen by the government when they are finalised.
Sites earmarked for investment include the famous Tobago Cays and 60-foot Falls of Baleine.
St Vincent and the Grenadines minister of tourism, youth and sports Hon Glen Beache claims the islands are keen to market the sustainable offering.
“Tour operators and travel agents seem to be looking for a new destination and something that offers authenticity,” he added.
The market for the destination is mostly luxury, although there is something for all budgets, said the minister.
He said: “There are lots of smaller family-run hotels to a good standard.”
“This is the only destination I know that has three island resorts with a fourth on the way. I don’t know of any other destination that offers both black and white sandy beaches.”
Behind the Caribbean and the US, the is the islands’ third largest market.
However, the destination has not been immune to the current economic downturn with visitor numbers dropping by as much as 6% during February.
Beache added: “January was good for us overall, but in February and March we were down.”
Visitors to the destination stay for an average of seven to 10 days, although there are signs that more people are opting for a two-week break, he added.
“We are not a mass-market destination and I cannot see us getting there. It is not something we want.”
To boost infrastructure the Argyle international airport is under construction on St Vincent. It is expected to occupy 375 acres of land and be able to accommodate one million passengers a year.
The country also has a strong wedding market, as it only takes 24 hours to obtain a marriage licence.
With the current exchange rate favourable to the islands, it is a good value destination. A average cost of a beer is about £1.