Trinidad & Tobago’s Tourism Ministry Plans National Strategy

Trinidad & Tobago’s Tourism Ministry Plans National Strategy

The Ministry of Tourism is currently developing a National Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan in an effort to improve the sector. Tourism Minister Dr Rupert Griffith disclosed this last Monday at the San Juan Business Association’s Tourism Symposium at Himalaya Club, San Juan.

Griffith noted tourism played a critical role in our economy given that it contributes four percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He predicted real GDP growth for the country’s tourism economy was expected to average 5.25 percent over the next ten years.

“Our recently approved National Tourism Policy, which was developed hand in hand with stakeholders, the corporate sector and communities, provides the framework for the sustainable development and management of a competitive, people-centred tourism industry. At present, the Ministry of Tourism is developing terms of reference for a consultant to formulate a National Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan, which we envisaged will be ready for public comment by the beginning of the fourth quarter in 2011,” he said.

Griffith explained due to the economic downturn, the country’s traditional tourism source markets, which includes the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA have experienced longer than expected economic recession that will impact upon growth possibilities.

“The good news is that these changes bring new opportunities as well...the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism 2020 Vision forecasts that international arrivals will reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020. It is estimated that in 2010 the Caribbean received 20.3 million international arrivals an increase of 4.1 percent from that of 2009,” Griffith said.

He noted for the country “to stay ahead of the game” in the next decade, Trinidad and Tobago should seize various opportunities available.

“It is against this background that TT undertook a Tourism Promotional Mission to India in January this year. Plans are already underway to host a representative from Frotis Hospitals in April 2011 to discuss medical tourism for TT with a view to the setting up of hospital facilities as well as a training centre.

“Also we have had numerous expressions of interest from Indian investors for the construction of hotels and are presently in discussions with the Oberoi Group and the ITC-WelcomGroup as to furtherance of their plans,” he said.

He also said TT needed to position itself in emerging markets before the space becomes overcrowded therefore more “promotional missions” similar to India will need to take place in an effort to diversify the tourist base

Griffith emphasised a need to embrace local communities in the tourism effort to which the ministry has begun exploring many new frontiers in product innovation. He said they have worked with communities and regional corporations to develop little known tourism destinations such as Blanchisseuse, Paramin, Toco Beach and Lighthouse and its environs.

He added that groundwork had begun or the construction of a Sugar Heritage Village and Museum at Sevillla House in Caroni.

Griffith also disclosed the ministry’s emphasis on pursuing an aggressive and and focused events and conventions strategy. He said the country must invest in creating a mix of vibrant and diverse events throughout the year ranging from traditional community feasts to international music, art and sports events.

He noted that in October this year an International Culinary Competition will be held.

“Such a rich calender of events helps us to continue differentiating ourselves from other Caribbean destinations by providing diverse opportunities within the annual calendar which will appeal to a wider audience, Trinidad can easily become the business, meetings and conference centre for the southern Caribbean.

We have highly experienced and qualified event planners, appropriate conference facilities, authentic cultural and nature-based experiences and a solid legacy for hosting impressive mega events,” he said.

Griffith said the tourism industry has a bright future but for it to truly succeed, there needs to be partnership between Government and all stakeholders involved.