Travel and Tourism - Trinidad and Tobago

Economic downturn impacts tourism
 

Following the decline in arrivals suffered in 2008 and 2009, the beginning of a recovery was seen in 2010. Advertising the region as a business capital, a sports location, and a natural destination for leisure tourists, along with heavy discounting, aided the country in its recovery. In 2010, major efforts were made by the Prime Minister to prioritise tourism in the region. The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA), the Tourism Development Company and the Ministry of Tourism continued to work on a strategy of promoting Trinidad as a business destination and Tobago as a leisure destination, in order to promote sustainable tourism. The government’s plan is to present a business and vacation getaway concept, whereby people have meetings in Trinidad and then relax and attend pre- and post-meeting tours in Tobago.
 

Vision 2020 Tourism Development Plan
 

The government has developed a Vision 2020 Tourism Development Plan in order to expand the role that the tourism industry plays in the country. In order to ensure the success of the Vision 2020 Tourism Development Plan, Trinidad and Tobago will work to ensure that tourism is a priority through the development of public-private partnerships. The people of Trinidad and Tobago will also be encouraged to embrace, as well as participate, in the tourism industry, while improved investment incentives and infrastructure will also be put in place. Furthermore, attention will be given to airlift from countries that are a major source of arrivals.
 

Crime threatens tourism
 

Crime remains a large threat to the development of tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago, which is known for its high crime rate, was recently branded the “murder capital of the Caribbean”. While much of the violence in the region is gang-related, the incidence of tourists being robbed, sexually assaulted and murdered has increased in recent years. In order to successfully position itself as a tourist destination, Trinidad and Tobago needs to address the issue of crime.