Two international airlines have given the assurance that they will be operating non stop flights to Grenada from later this year.

The news was broken by Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Senator Brenda Hood as she addresses members of the media as part of the ministry's programme of events to commemorate World Tourism Day, which was observed last week Wednesday.

Sen. Hood disclosed that with effect from December and for the next 12 months, Excel Airways will be operating a direct weekly flight between Grenada and the United Kingdom. She said the airline will maintain its present joint flight with Tobago.

Condor Airlines of Germany will also commence its year round service to the island in November and that is expected to end in November 2007. According to Sen. Hood, the Ministry of Tourism and the Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) are currently holding discussions with several investors who have demonstrated interest in certain projects that can boost the island's tourism industry. She did not elaborate on these projects.

However, well-placed sources told this newspaper that the Keith Mitchell-led New National Party (NNP) government is holding talks with new investors to build the Mt. Hartman hotel and Golf Course and the Levara hotel project. Minister Hood stressed the need for Grenadians to understand that they have a critical role to play in ensuring that every visitor that comes to the island leaves the destination satisfied, treated with respect, get value for money, feel safe and secure and above all was made to feel welcomed.

A number of activities were held to observe Tourism Awareness Week in Grenada under the theme "Tourism and You - make the connection." Activities held during the week included a tourism fair and exhibition on the Carenage and a secondary schools' forum which exposed students to careers and other economy benefits about the tourism industry.

The one-week of activities culminated on Saturday night with a gala awards and appreciation dinner and dance.