MRS. DANIELA GRDSELOFF-GWERCHER, HONORARY CONSUL OF AUSTRIA

For the first time in history Austria will be directly represented in Grenada: the European country appointed Mrs. Daniela Grdseloff-Gwercher as Honorary Consul for Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The tightening of the diplomatic relations reflects the growing numbers of Austrian visitors to the Tri-island State and the common interests of the two nations.

“Austrians love Grenada”, says Mrs. Grdseloff-Gwercher. “It is a remarkable fact that from all continental member states of the European Union Austria has the highest number of stay over visitors to Grenada in relation to its total population.” According to recently released statistics of the Grenada Board of Tourism 576 Austrians spent their holidays in the Tri-island State in 2006, an increase of more than 10% as compared to the previous year.

The German speaking country, which is famous for its historic capital of Vienna, its classical music and its beauty as a skiing destination has important common interests with the Spice Island. “Tourism plays a substantial role for our economy, just as it does for Grenada’s”, explains the Honorary Consul. “As a result both nations are interested in a peaceful and prosperous international climate favourable to the further development of leisure travel.”

Some of the world’s most renowned tourism and hospitality academies are located in Austria. “By providing scholarships for young Grenadians my country is committed to assist Grenada in developing its human resources in the area of tourism”, says Mrs Grdseloff-Gwercher.

The official opening of the honorary consulate is scheduled for the 20th of August 2008. The ceremony will be attended by Austrian Ambassador to the Caribbean and Venezuela, Mrs. Marianne Feldmann.