The Grand Pavois, now into its thirtieth year, is giving tourism officials from the nine OECS Member States an opportunity to promote their tourism facilities, products and services to the more than 100,000 people expected to attend. The marine tourism sub-sector in particular gets a chance to interact with and establish business partnerships with boat builders, and suppliers of maritime products and services.

Dr. Ishmael told the Opening ceremony that services, led by tourism, now account for 81 percent of the gross domestic product of OECS member countries, with the British Virgin Islands leading the way with 95 percent. This she compared with the agriculture sector which 30 years ago contributed 70 percent to GDP and today only manages three percent as preferential access to international markets for agricultural products continue to be eroded by trade liberalisation.

The official opening ceremony was held in the OECS pavillion which this year is the Guest of Honour among the more than 600 exhibitors at the boat show. Nine brightly coloured booths with Caribbean designs are showcasing the products and services from Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, the BVI, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The nine islands have a total of more than forty delegates at the event. A group of musicians has also been creating a Caribbean atmosphere with the various Caribbean music genres.

The Grand Pavois boat show was opened to the public on Wednesday 7th and closes on Monday 12th.