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ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA – September 20, 2012 – Just as he opened his arms to embrace fellow competitor Oscar Pistorius in the 2012 Olympic Games, Kirani James is now opening his arms to invite visitors to embrace his island home by touring his ten of his favorite places on Grenada. “We are so grateful that Kirani continues to demonstrate his gracious and generous spirit by having agreed to work with the Grenada Board of Tourism to promote the island as a desirable vacation choice,” said Dr. George Vincent, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture. “With our range of tourism attractions and warm, caring people like Kirani, his top ten sites to see are just the beginning of all Grenada has to offer visitors.” To follow in the footsteps of Kirani and experience the things he loves most about Grenada, visitors can visit ten of his favorite places, as follows- 1. Gouyave Fish Fridays – In the northwest part of the island, Kirani’s hometown of Gouyave is known for this weekly event, when music, dance and fresh seafood are the centerpieces of a street party from 6pm until 1am. Sample the flavors of the ocean, prepared in the local fashion, at restaurants such as Kelly’s Hot Spot and The Bar Code. 2. Grand Anse Beach – With myriad beautiful beaches to choose from, this two-mile stretch of white sand beach on Grenada’s southwest coastline is a favorite of Kirani’s. With views of the turquoise water as well as the capital city of St. George’s, there’s access to watersports, restaurants, local vendors and a variety of services as well as hotels. 3. The Grand Etang National Park – Hikers and trekkers will delight in exploring the trails along the rainforested slopes of the Park’s central mountains, which boast lush flora and fauna, a large crater lake and a variety of wildlife from the Mona monkey to the Antillean crested hummingbird. 4. The National Museum – Built by the French in 1704 and part of the foundations of the Fort George complex, it displays Grenada’s historic artifacts and exhibits. On Fridays, the Museum hosts live cultural performances from jazz music to poetry to dancing. 5. Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary – Not far from scenic Woburn Bay, this is the home of the protected Grenada Dove where individuals can learn about the endemic species, which is unique to Grenada and lives in a dry thorn scrub ecosystem. 6. Annadale Waterfall – Surrounded by gardens of tropical flowers and trees, the scenic beauty and sounds of the falls beckon visitors to take an invigorating dip. There is also an Interpretation Center for those who want more information about this natural wonder. 7. Belmont Estate -- Set on 400 acres of lush rolling hills in the north of Grenada, the 300-year-old working plantation offers plantation and cocoa tours, beautiful gardens, delicious organic chocolate, a full-service restaurant that features food prepared from produce grown on the estate, a café serving sandwiches, pastries, deserts and drinks, a craft co-op, museum, gift shop, goat dairy, animals and much more. 8. Shopping – Grenada offers a wide variety of stores that will satisfy any shopper. Whether in search of handmade arts and crafts, boutique fashions, island spices or even teas, jewelry or soaps, there are plenty of smaller shops and larger outlets located throughout the island’s capital, towns and villages. 9. Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station – For just $1.00, visitors can tour one of the island’s largest nutmeg factories and watch the workers select, grade and package the nutmegs then shop at “Nutmeg World” to take home packaged spices or other locally made items as souvenirs. Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmegs in the world, accounting for about 1/3 of the world's supply. 10. The Spice Basket – Known as as the “Home of Our Culture” to Grenadians, the island’s newest attraction provides a cultural experience and features an open-air restaurant and bar, theatre, gift shop and the Legacy Valley Museum. While visitors can explore on their own, many of Kirani’s favorites are offered on local island tours. For a listing of on-island tour operators, visit http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/cruise/local-tours/. Recognized as the “Spice of the Caribbean,” Grenada boasts some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, delectable cuisine and spices, a tropical rainforest and a wide range of fun-filled activities such as diving, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and sailing. Romantic, natural and authentic, all of nature’s best gifts can be found in Grenada. Grenada is a proud member of the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP). For more information about Grenada, contact: Grenada Board of Tourism P.O. Box 293 Burns Point St. George’s Grenada Tel: 1 (473) 440 2279/2001 Fax: 1 (473) 440 6637 Email: gbt@spiceisle.com Website: www.grenadagrenadines.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/discovergrenada Twitter: www.twitter.com/discovergrenada Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/grenadagrenadines YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/grenadagrenadines