Travel and Tourism - Trinidad and Tobago

Euromonitor International's Travel And Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago report offers a comprehensive guide to the market at a national level. It looks at travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, tourist attractions and retail travel. It identifies the leading companies and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market, including background information on tourism inflows, disposable income, annual leave and holiday taking habits.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Publication date: Nov-08

Caribbean Airlines is changing
In September 2006, the government of Trinidad & Tobago decided to shut down BWIA, but it was replaced in January 2007 by Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL). The company also acquired the Tobago Express, a company that flies between the two islands 17 times a day. CAL is trying to position itself as a leading company and it is anticipated that it will become an important competitor for the leading Caribbean airlines as it also offers international flights.

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival always on top
The Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is one of the most popular carnivals in the world. It offers the greatest annual attraction for Trinidad. The celebration features many types of music, from traditional calypso and ex-tempo to popular soca beats. Tour operators count on this time of year to maximise related travel retail sales as well. It is the best time to visit the country. However, during this time of the year, travel accommodation outlets are fully booked and reservations have to be made months in advance.

Caribbean Sun and Delta Airlines to add new flights
In December 2006, Delta Airlines started a non-stop service from Atlanta to Trinidad and is launching a new flight from Atlanta to Tobago in December 2007. In addition to this, Caribbean Sun Airlines added a new non-stop flight from Antigua to Trinidad. It also reassumed its daily service between Trinidad and Georgetown. Finally, from 8 April 2008 Air Canada will be offering a new route from Toronto to Port of Spain three times a week.

Trinidad & Tobago looks to attract more US tourists
The government of Trinidad & Tobago is promoting the country around the world through the Tourism Development Company. One of the country’s biggest campaigns is the one in New York to attract US visitors. It focuses on promoting Tobago as an ecotourism destination.

Investors continue to invest in travel accommodation
The 2007 Cricket World Cup created new investments in hotels, all travel accommodation and tourist facilities. However now that the Cup is over, investments are continuing to be made. Renovations are the main investment but there are also projects for new hotels. Some of the renovations are Hilton (both Trinidad & Tobago hotels), Marriot, Golden Tulip, Hyatt and Holiday Inn. In terms of new hotels planned, Carlton Savannah Hotel in St. Anns and Star Hotel in Piarco are the main projects.