Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago

The concept of tourism is geared not only to the foreign visitor but to the needs of the local population. There is much to see and examine by drawing attention to the promotion of cultural festivals, art forms, historical and natural scenic sites. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago proposes to promote the islands as ecotourism centres based on the pristine conditions of their reefs, forests, flora and fauna. Tourism in Tobago will also be developed to take into account the socio-cultural and environmental values of the country.

The two islands, Trinidad and Tobago compliment each other. Trinidad has the excitement and activity of Carnival, the flora and fauna, the historical and cultural attractions, while Tobago, one of the Caribbean‘s most unspoilt islands, offers the peace, tranquillity, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and a Heritage Festival. Tobago also is enriched with history and many of the tourist sites are indicative of the presence of the Spaniards, French and British who occupied the island at some time.

Many infrastructural developments have been completed to enhance tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. In Tobago, infrastructural improvements include the deep water harbour for the entry of cruise ships in Scarborough. Many cruise ships now dock at the harbour. The extension of the Crown Point Runway can now accommodate wide-bodied aircrafts. In Trinidad, the Piarco passenger concourse has been refurbished. This was the first phase of the Piarco International Airport Improvement Project. The establishment of a four-acre Cruise Ship Complex on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, is another example of the infrastructural improvements geared towards tourism.

To enhance Trinidad and Tobago‘s image as a Tourist destination, government also intends to pursue plans for a Marina, Golfing and Resort Facility at Chaguaramas and the development of Chacachacare Island as a holiday resort.

Government has initiated a number of actions in support of the tourism sector and its growth. Firstly, there has been a rationalization of government agencies responsible for the future of the tourism sector with the creation of the Ministry of Tourism - responsible for setting government tourism policy and the Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) with a mandate to implement such policy. A Tourism Master Plan has been developed which establishes a comprehensive blueprint for tourist sector development.

The Plan proposes the development of a tourism sector that is sustainable and contributes to the Trinidad and Tobago economy by generating employment and foreign exchange earnings, creating economic linkages within industry sectors and promoting Trinidad and Tobago as an international tourism destination. Several niche markets have been identified including business and cultural events, cruise shipping, eco-tourism and sports.

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