Why Choose Trinidad & Tobago: Revitalising Tobago: Plans & Prospects
extending every effort to send the signal that Tobago is open for business. In tandem with the refurbishment of the Vanguard Hotel, the Central Government, through the Ministry of Tobago Development and the Ministry of Trade, has entered into preliminary discussions with relevant stakeholders in Tobago to explore the possibility of the establishment of a Tourism Development Fund. It is expected that this fund will inject millions of much needed dollars into the tourism industry that employs more than 40% of the workforce in Tobago. To encourage both investors and pleasure tourists to our beautiful shores, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago along with other key stakeholders in the Caribbean, was able to successfully lobby the British Government to rescind the increase in the Air Passenger Tax that became effective in November 2010. Additionally, citizens of India, Russia and most of the Baltic region are now exempt from Visa requirements to visit Trinidad and Tobago. It is envisioned that this will go a long way in facilitating the penetration of emerging tourist markets. Tobago is an island rich in natural resources: the latest gas finds are in the territorial waters of Tobago; and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s eminent scientists is currently conducting studies in harnessing the power of the ocean’s currents to produce energy and two of the three sites that have been identified are in Tobago. Rich soil, a stable economy, good governance and an educated population make Tobago an attractive tourist destination and an island ripe for investment.” This combination of government and private sector activity and partnership reinforces the message that action is being taken, and Tobago is once again on track as a dynamic place to invest. With refurbishments in hand, two new resorts about to break ground, a modern Business Park encouraging entrepreneurship and diversification within the tourism economy, and government in the wings - supporting with policy, hands-on initiatives and fiscal incentives administered by their agency the Tourism Development Company Ltd (TDC), Tobago once again comes centre-stage, its future bright and full of promise for a healthy and sustained return on investment. Dawn Glaisher is the owner of SeaJade Investments - Real Estate Brokers & Property Consultants (seajade@tstt.net.tt). Useful Links www.visittobago.gov.tt Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association: www.tobagohoteltourism.com T&T Chamber of Industry & Commerce – Tobago Chapter: tobagochamber@tstt.net.tt
Fast Facts on Tobago • International Visitor arrivals 2005 - 80,000; 2006 - 76,000; 2007 - 66,000; 2008 – 56,500; 2009 38,300; 2010 27,000 (estimated). • Tourism arrivals by country of origin: Caribbean, UK, Canada, Germany, others • Extension of the Scarborough jetty completed in 2009 to boost cruise ship arrivals. • Former Hilton Tobago being refurbished for reopening on November 1st 2011 under new management/branding. • Airlift direct from UK via BA, Virgin Atlantic, Monarch; Condor from Germany; Caribbean Airlines from New York. Regional carriers Caribbean Airlines and LIAT link to the islands and to other international flights landing in Trinidad from Houston, Miami, Venezuela, Canada, Barbados, Grenada and others. • Financial incentives under the Hotel Act administered by the Tourism Development Company, and include exemption from taxation on profits, exemption from import duties on construction and other materials or equipment and other tax benefits. • Domestic inter-island ferry service from Port of Spain to Scarborough sails daily with passenger travel and cargo on the fast ferry as well as a slower cargo ferry. • Domestic inter-island flights are frequent and reliable but larger aircraft are used to meet peak demand. • Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park planned to diversify the island economy away from total dependence on tourism. Cove now has its own electricity generation plant soon to be run on T&T’s own natural gas arriving by pipeline to Cove Point. • The Chamber of Industry and Commerce Tobago Chapter has some 70 members • The Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association has some 80 members. • THA capital projects completed recently include the new Buccoo Village goat race track and beach facility. Projects in progress include the new hospital, Shaw Park Cultural Centre, the Financial Complex and Scarborough Library. • The Crown Point International Airport expansion is a work in progress with the runway now being resurfaced, the airport being re-roofed and rewired, a VIP lounge added, and new flight information monitors installed along with a new, shared check-in system. • Trinidad & Tobago Hotel and Guesthouse Room Stock Upgrade Incentive Project launched in February 2010 offers to a selected number of properties a 25 per cent reimbursement of the cost of upgrading guestrooms, up to an agreed maximum.
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