THINKING ABOUT OUR TOBAGO FUTURE
Sunday September 14th, 2014
One may ask how can Tobago survive without the influx of the North American tourist? Simply put, the island survives in being that untouched isle not found in the Caribbean anymore. Comparing the Caribbean chain, Tobago has the richest flora outside on Dominica and the richest fauna outside of Trinidad. The island has long survived by being a holiday hot spot for Trinidad locals of all ages and income brackets. It is easy with reasonable planning to fly or ferry across to Tobago and enjoy accommodation from budget to luxury rates. Trinidad people adore getting away to their sister-isle and the occupancy rates when broken down to source reflects an ever growing trend in this direction.
Switching gears might be relevant as well. How does this heavy dependence on Trinidad-tourism impact on Tobago’s long-term future? To this one might say, poorly. Various tourism drives have failed to put Tobago on the heat map of North American paradise seekers. How do we mimic the success of islands like Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Lucia.
One could say “look at the unattractive beaches of Tobago versus for example Anguilla (BWI)” and throw their hands in the air, but that would be comparing apples to oranges.Travel further, open the scope and look at what has made Dominica a tourism success, Australia, Montserrat and St. Kitts. It is vision where your strengths lay.
- Tobago can perhaps construct a world-class cable car through its mountains at the center of the island.
- How would a zip-line like the great one in Costa Rica fare for thrill-seekers?
- Can we set up a reasonably priced culinary strip for tourists and locals alike and call it our cultural food-mall?
- Can we attract high-end package deals like the Nat Geo sailing to different parts of the world?
- Can we negotiate with the newly expanded NCL lines and get the super cruise-lines to visit us.
We would love to hear your thoughts as well.
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