Putting Its Best Foot Forward
Is Trinidad and Tobago putting its best foot forward and inviting energetic travellers to do the same?
Warren Solomon of the destination’s tourist board told last week’s Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Marketplace in San Juan that his homeland has embarked on a multi-year program of creating 1,000 kms of hiking, biking and hashing trails, with those trails showcasing terrain that began life as coffee or cocoa plantations.
The project will be a three-phase one and will strengthen his homeland as “the ultimate outdoor destination in the region,” he said.
Solomon also noted that Trinidad and Tobago attract visitors with such cultural extravaganzas as the destination’s famed Carnival and the Tobago Jazz Experience.
Tracy Davidson-Celestine, who specifically promotes Tobago’s tourism trade, noted her island has a host of natural attributes, including the oldest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, while scuba divers can view the largest brain coral in this hemisphere.
Tobago also decided to create a “canopy tour product” that Davidson-Celestine declared “one of the largest in the Caribbean.” It includes an observation tower for birdwatchers.
“We’re much more than music, culture and beaches,” she said.
The April 18-26 Tobago Jazz Experience will feature such performers as Kool & the Gang and Jennifer Hudson.
Among developments in Tobago’s lodging scene is the hotel Chic, which opened its doors in December and now has what Davidson-Celestine labelled “40 intimate and stylish bedrooms.” Chic also has three meeting rooms, a swimming pool and a restaurant.
The Bacolet Beach Club underwent an expansion that included the addition of 15 upscale, marble-tiled suites and an infinity pool overlooking the hotel’s private bay. As well, a new bistro-restaurant opened at the property’s sister hotel, Half Moon Blue.
Davidson-Celestine added her jurisdiction’s cruise industry is seeing growth and 45 cruise ship calls are expected for the 2015-2016 season.
Officials hope to see 80,000 passengers for the 2016-2017 season.
Seen here at Marketplace is Shelley-Ann De Gazon of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company with Philip Rose of the Jamaica Tourist Board.
