AKIN member tastes success with chef Ainsley Harriott

“TV’s power is huge, especially to showcase a photogenic destination like Grenada. In terms of exposure, prime time TV is unmatched. It creates a national buzz.”

“Print coverage, in newspapers and magazines, is an opportunity to tell a nuanced story through the eyes of the writer whereas television has an immediate impact - you see it, want it, book it!”

Chef Ainsley Harriott filmed his ITV One Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen show in Grenada, travelling around the island to learn about local delicacies– including spices and rum. Ainsley shot on location at family-owned resort True Blue Bay , and BB’s Crabback restaurant, and toured the capital, St George’s.

The show, which aired on Sunday 17th February, is not the first time Rob has teamed up with famous faces to promote his client.

“We've worked extensively with war hero Dr Johnson Beharry VC COG and also with the entertainer Craig David and actor Noel Clarke, all of whom have Grenadian heritage.”

“When we host UK events we foster Grenadian community talent, so happily partner with Midlands-based food producer, Tan Rosie, at consumer events such as Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show. The distributor of one of the island's chocolate rum liqueurs - featured in Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen - is now based in West Sussex, too.”

Rob has been working with the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as their UK PR Manager for almost ten years.

In a previous role he was the UK PR for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, of which Grenada is a member, so his association with the island goes back almost twenty years.

“I am fortunate enough to have visited Grenada several times since 2009 and plan to visit again this year to showcase the annual Grenada Chocolate Fest to carefully selected social media influencers.”

In terms of PR, how will he follow a prime time TV slot?

“For Grenada, the focus is on niche markets and so we're already pre-promoting our chocolate, cultural and dive festivals, working closely with select bloggers to bring the vibrant island to life online.”

“In May, we will showcase the island's flora at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, at which the island has claimed 14 Gold Medals over recent years. Next month the island will welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall which provides an opportunity to amplify our messages.”

Rob, joined AKIN in October 2018.

As a new AKIN member, he is looking forward to being inspired by the group’s collective energy. “And while I value the opportunity to network and potentially collaborate with great talent,” he explains, “I relish the idea of proving Arundel is a creative hub to reckon with!”