Grenada is no longer flying under-the-radar as one of the Caribbean’s most hidden gem destinations. Delta Air Lines’ and the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) officially introduced its new nonstop route service route from Atlanta with a private VIP media luncheon to celebrate the new business venture. The inaugural flight departed on December 20th, 2025, which marks the beginning of convenient travel for this Caribbean destination to become a new hotspot on Gen Z travel lists for 2026. Grenada, known as the infamously vibrant “Spice Isle,” truly lives up to its reputation for flavorful cuisines and exceptional hospitality. If Gen Z is looking for the perfect balance of an authentically rich community with aesthetically pleasing views overlooking the ocean in the gorgeous hues of blue, this is where all your stresses will seem minuscule.
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) and the PC Agency hosted VIP guests at Apt4B restaurant in Atlanta with Grenadian-inspired cuisines to mark this advancing milestone. Moderated discussions with the Minister of Tourism and GTA representatives on the tri-island’s rising appeal and the significance of this new route provided beneficial insight. As someone who absolutely loves the convenience and leisure of non-stop service flights, this new announcement is a game-changer for travelers this year. The Grenadian-inspired cuisines were absolutely delicious, as the menu consisted of sautéed cabbage, rice and peas, coconut curry shrimp, jerk chicken, braised oxtail, and Caesar salad. Moreover, guests were able to indulge in the open bar while networking and socializing amongst each other about the projected success of the new Delta Air Lines’ business venture.
Not only did the Grenada Tourism Authority attest to the true nature of their hospitality, but guests were also offered mini Grenadian Rum Sorrel bottles upon arrival, which indicated the proper introduction to their island’s vibrant culture and flavors throughout the joyous evening. Furthermore, guests were treated to personalized ‘Pure Grenada’ event bags with signature Grenadian treats and informative resources about the wealth of unspoiled beauty that these Caribbean island hidden gems hold for travelers to blissfully uncover. Acclaimed for their aromatic spices, organic chocolates, and memorable dive sites with unforgettable experiences, this island offers the perfect safe haven.
Grenada is in its own realm when it comes to rarity. There are so many excursions for natives and tourists to explore throughout the island. With over 40 waterfalls tucked into its rainforest, including the famous Seven Sisters Falls, this provides an opportunity to swim in natural pools while reinvigorating your body and mind as nature surrounds you. In addition, this island provides a rare experience of the world’s first underwater sculpture park and the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. This is a surreal snorkeling destination that’s filled with iconic life-sized art installations and encourages coral growth. These immaculate visuals are unmatched for an exceptional experience of historic real-life moments while raising awareness for notable ecological conversations.
I had the honorable and delighted opportunity to converse with Stacy Liburd, CEO of Grenada Tourism Authority, regarding the excitement surrounding the increase of travelers coming to the island through its peak season from now until April on the new non-stop service route and why this destination is incredibly healing for the soul. As Liburd’s natural warmth beamed with pride as she expressed how Grenada captivated her heart, it almost felt impossible not to fall in love with the island as she eloquently spoke.
“This might sound very cliche, but the reason I fell in love with the destination is the people. I felt like I was met with such warmth. People are very patriotic so everything about the culture they celebrate and I love that and want to be a part of that,” Liburd conveyed. “We have a new lobster landing festival that’s going to launch next month in Carriacou, which also is a favorite place for me to go on the weekends because it’s such an unspoiled destination. I know a lot of destinations are saying that and tossing that word around … but I feel that Carriacou is really that. So to be able to have a food festival there to celebrate what they do best, which is fishing; so imagine fresh fish, fresh lobster, fresh landings which Americans call konk … The other thing is, I love to go out and hike. Hiking in the rainforest at Grand Etang is just breathtaking,” she voiced with admiration. “Recently we had a Dive & Conversation festival where during that time there was someone that taught us about the Grenadian frog that is indigenous to us. And at night, we went into Grand Etang looking for these very small frogs and it was so much fun because whoever thought you would do a rainforest at night? Not me! But it was so beautiful and a really great experience. We have some great beaches as well so there’s a lot. We have diving as well since we have the underwater sculpture park, so that is something again that everyone must do! And you don’t need to be a swimmer because I can’t swim; you can see through a glass waterboat,” Liburd laughed.
As GTA ended off 2025 with a bang regarding the new-non stop service announcement from Atlanta’s main hub, she reassures intrigued travelers that they can still catch direct flights to Grenada from other key markets like New York and Miami. If you’re wondering when the best time to travel in 2026 to this Caribbean island, Liburd has the ideal guide to be intentional with mapping your plans for upcoming Grenadian events and festivals.
“During the peak year for us is December to April, that’s when you’re going to find your rates are most high and more people on the island. Then, if you’re the traveler that still wants to travel well but your price point might not be there during peak, then you can come in between May to September; take advantage of the lower rates and it’s less crowded,” Liburd explained. “Also, you can hit Spicemas at the end of July and August, you can do our Chocolate Fest at the end of May, and then you can come back in October and do our Dive & Conversation festival … We’re not in the hurricane belt, so it’s not like the hotels and restaurants close in September and October like you would see in other destinations. We’re open year-round, so it just means that we see different segments of travelers in different periods of the year. Of course, Gen Z is that party crowd and they want to come out to have fun. During that time, right now, most of the hotels are fully booked for August. So if you’re not already booked for your accommodations for Spicemas, good luck because I don’t know where you’re going to stay!,” she playfully joked. “Delta is already seeing the demand for that time. So initially the flight was going to be through April, but they’ve extended it through July. If we see the demand, we’ll continue to extend. So come on, I need y’all to travel!”
Liburd’s exuded passion is nothing short of the hospitality that Grenada prides themselves on. It’s a reason why St. George, the island’s capital, has seen a 56% year-on-year surge in search and ranks 10th worldwide in the 2026 Skyscanner Travel Trends Report. This tri-island isn’t a destination where you feel isolated within, they want you to come as your most authentic self. The priority of connectivity amongst their culture is truly astounding and mesmerizing; you may even take away some of their mannerisms after visiting the therapeutic and refreshing island.
“We do training and development because we recognize that when you spend your money, when you select a destination because we recognize there’s so many options, you don’t have to choose Grenada. So when you do, we want to ensure the moment your flight lands to the time you leave, at every touchpoint the service is excellent,” she affirmed. “We want to be flying in formation where that is a concern, we don’t want to break down on any level of that chain of your experience on the island. So we invest heavily in training and development. And it works, I think people are naturally warm and charismatic. So when you help them in terms of giving them information about the traveler, what they’re looking for, how you can elevate the experience because we want to go above and beyond service. It’s not giving good service, it’s giving you hospitality,” Liburd indicated. “We want to go above and beyond, we want to expect what your next question is going to be. We want when you take that last sip of water or wine or cocktail, that someone is coming up and saying ‘would you like another?’ or ‘would you like to try something else?’ And it’s also referring to you by your name, you know? So it’s those things that people remember.”
For any travelers that may want to reach out directly to the GTA ahead of their trip or while on the island is definitely encouraged. Liburd wants travelers to feel comfortable and at ease in knowing that their Grenadian culture welcomes any assistance they may need. If you wanted a first-hand look as to how she would prepare for a trip to this beloved island, she has her main three recommended suggestions.
“#1 The Grenada Tourism Authority exists as a resource so always feel free to reach out to us. And that’s anywhere you travel because they’re going to give you unbiased opinions. #2 Don’t come with a packed itinerary, you need to do something spontaneous. #3 Go to Carriacou and Petite Martinique. You must! It’s a day trip. 20 min flight, spend the day. Do a nautical tour, go to Tim’s, Paradise beach, see White Island, Saline island, swim in the water that’s the most prettiest shade of blue you’ve ever seen,” she exclaimed.
The commemoration for this new non-stop service route didn’t stop just at the private VIP media luncheon, passengers departing on the inaugural flight were given a remarkable taste of the tri-island at their gate. The GTA and Delta Air lines’ planned a departure party for the Spice Isle with performances by Carnival dancers, a steel pan musician, and a complimentary Grenadian breakfast for their flight. One thing is for certain, Grenada’s vibrant culture is always enticing as they move with grace and style. Liburd is optimistic that travelers will become enamored by this alluring island.
“I always tell people it’s the island that gives you the permission to relax and reconnect,” she rejoiced. “We are ranked #2 in terms of the purest air quality. There’s something about breathing the air and looking at the waterfalls and recognizing all the waterfalls on the island, some of which provide water for the island. That’s amazing when you think about it in the sense of heritage, culture, and wellness. That’s what it is.”
@korixnicole @delta Air Lines’ x @Pure Grenada celebrated the announcement of their new non-stop service from Atlanta to Grenada with an invite only private media luncheon! This new non-stop service officially departed this weekend 🇬🇩🛫 It was such an amazing opportunity to join the non-stop inaugural flight to this beautiful Caribbean island! Grenada is a hidden gem island that has affordable flights and should definitely be on your travel list for 2026 🎉 I’ll most definitely be back! #fyp #atlanta #deltaairlines #grenada #travel
♬ Reggae Brasil – Big Big
