Tourism officials in Grenada are optimistic that developments in airlift, attractions and events will propel its visitor numbers in 2010.

The destination welcomed 113,370 visitors in 2009, down 12.5% from 2008. The U.S. market declined 3.3%, according to figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

A bright spot is the twice-weekly, nonstop Delta service from New York Kennedy that begins June 5. The startup date, originally set for July 3, was pushed up when Air Jamaica announced it was ceasing service from JFK to Grenada on March 9.

Grenada's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Glynis Roberts said that the island would continue "aggressive efforts to expand airlift."

Cruise tourism increased 16.1% last year. Cruise passengers arriving at the capital of St. George's now have easier access to the Citadel of Fort George attraction, either from the Melville Street cruise terminal exit or the Inner Harbour exit near the Carenage.

For the yachting market, the Port Louis Marina and Creole Village featured more than 120 slips this winter to accommodate yachts up to 300 feet long. The facility opened in January 2008. Business at the marina this winter has been "brisk," according to tourism officials, who said that further expansion was planned at the marina.

A new hiking trail is set to open this spring in the Morne Longue village in St. Andrew parish in the eastern part of Grenada.

The new trail enables visitors to experience a wide range of birds in their natural habitat, spot monkeys and take in views along the east coast.

Grenada's annual Maroon Music Festival held on the island of Carriacou, northeast of Grenada, from April 30 through May 2 will feature a string-band competition this year for the first time. Festival attendees will witness the traditional Caribbean practice of a "maroon," a celebration offering thanks for the harvest and prayers for good fortune during the next planting season.

Carriacou is served by 20-minute flights from Grenada as well as via high-speed ferry.