Tourism
From The Report: Trinidad & Tobago 2017
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As efforts to restore macroeconomic stability and diversify Trinidad and Tobago’s economy gather pace, the political emphasis on tourism is likely to continue, along with increasing private sector pressure to boost marketing. Tourism contributed 2.9% of GDP in 2016, generating $806.4m. The mixed performance of recent years could continue in the near term. However, the sector is expected to undergo significant change in the medium term, with private stakeholders leading the way. Examples include ride-hailing app Uber launching in Trinidad in January 2017, the presence of homestay network Airbnb and Sandals’ proposed site in Tobago. Long term, a move towards an open skies agreement, coupled with incentives for firms to move into the regional travel niche, presents a vital opportunity to unleash immense potential.

This chapter contains an interview with Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman and CEO, Sandals Resorts International.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Twin engines: The industry is a pillar of the national diversification strategy
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Traditionally a sector of secondary importance in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), tourism is emerging as a development priority following a sharp decline in oil and gas revenues, historically the backbone of the economy. Since taking office in September 2015, prime minister Keith Rowley has designated tourism a key pillar of the national diversification strategy aimed at reducing T&T’s reliance on hydrocarbons. To stimulate growth, the country is looking to strategically reposition…

Analysis

Domestic bliss: A strong local tourism market helps reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in international arrivals
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With volatility in international arrivals continuing in 2016, the domestic market is increasingly viewed as a critical component of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry. In recent years the domestic market has played an important stabilising role for the country’s tourism industry, particularly in Tobago, where a constant flow of tourists from Trinidad has helped to offset the effects of declining international arrivals. According to a study by the Tourism Development Company (TDC),…

Interview

New excursions: Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman and CEO, Sandals Resorts International, on the twin islands’ untapped tourism potential
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Interview: Adam Stewart What are the country’s competitive advantages in tourism over its Caribbean neighbours? ADAM STEWART: As an oil-based economy, the islands’ rainforests and landscape remain virtually undiscovered and unexplored, which we find very attractive. Very much like Turks and Caicos, Tobago is one of the last true exotic locations in the Caribbean. One of its best-kept secrets is its great variety of flora and fauna compared to the majority of other Caribbean islands. Geographically,…

Analysis

All hands on deck: Rising arrival numbers highlight potential for further growth in the cruise segment
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Amid fluctuating international arrivals, cruise ship tourism has stepped up and may be set to start fulfilling its significant potential in T&T after four consecutive years of steady growth. The country welcomed 100,791 cruise passengers in the 2015/16 season, up 115% on the previous season and surpassing 100,000 for the first time since 2009/10. Tobago remained the more popular of the two islands, receiving 70,298 passengers from 60 cruise ship calls, while Trinidad welcomed the remaining…

Analysis

On the radar: Interest from a major international resort brand confirms the island’s untapped potential
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In 2016 news of a proposed Sandals International Resort for Tobago made headlines in the Caribbean, becoming the main talking point of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector that year. The potential arrival of the international hotel chain, which already owns 24 vacation properties in seven Caribbean islands, promises to be a game changer for Tobago’s hotel industry. The landmark project could well be the catalyst needed for tourism development in the relatively untouched island. The announcement…