Tourism officials report increaseInternational visitor arrivalsInternational visitor arrivals to Tobago increased by 12.5 per cent and 11.4 per cent in May and June respectively. However, according to Senior Adviser to the THA Secretary of Tourism and Transportation Neil Wilson there was a shortfall of 141 arrivals in international passengers due to the suspension of daily flights by LIAT, about the same amount the airline brought in on a monthly basis. Wilson who was speaking at a media conference following the monthly meeting of the Tourism Standing Committee at the Blue Haven Hotel on Monday disclosed that Caribbean Airlines brought in 38,263 passengers on the air bridge for the same period. He said the committee did not receive the arrivals by the sea bridge for the period. He said the Caribbean Airlines once weekly service to New York continued to do "extremely well" with occupancy averaging 70 passengers per flight for June, July and August. "This is extremely good for a new flight," he stressed. He added that Virgin Atlantic Airlines was ready to introduce its second weekly service from London in December, once the 200-room Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, (formerly Hilton/ Vanguard) was ready for occupancy from November 1, as promised by Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Cadiz. The announcement of the new name and new operator, efm Hospitality was made at a media conference on Monday at the property. Tourism and Transportation Secretary Oswald Williams told reporters that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was trying to find a balance between Jet Ski operators and sea bathers to ensure the safety of all persons using the sea. He said Secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment Councillor Gary Melville has been mandated to meet with the operators to ensure that this was achieved. Williams also disclosed that the Immigration and Customs Divisions have increased their staff at the ANR Robinson International Airport to ease the long wait experienced by international passengers on arrival. He added that the committee agreed to implement a system to monitor the process. He said security at hotels and guesthouses was of paramount importance and it was agreed that while a system was being put in place to register all properties under the law those already registered will be required to have adequate security for their guests. Williams said over $9 million worth of "room nights" were earned earlier this year as a result of the £100 rebate on rooms paid for by British holiday makers for a two-week stay and consideration was being given to continue the offer during the "quiet" months of September and October. Chairman of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) Stanley Beard told reporters that representatives to market Trinidad and Tobago as a tourism destination in Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Scandinavia and India will be announced next week while thought was being given to making a similar appointment in Brazil in the light of the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics to be hosted there. He said consideration was also being given to having Tourism/Cultural Attaches appointed at Embassies. |
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disgruntled tourist.. said on Monday, Sep 5 at 1:29 AM
Also dont ever pull out a packet of ciggies out there,youll start a riot..if you should be so unfortunate to need an ambulance..woe betide you..if you dont quite understand the accent,expect zero tolerance and "hard looks"..remember you are not a "human" tourist rather a dollar or pound sign during your whole stay.."wecome from far"dey say,well they certainly act like it..!!
73389179disgruntled tourist said on Monday, Sep 5 at 1:10 AM
Been stared at non stop..shouted at..hassled..ripped off..persistent pestering of girlfriend by locals..intimidating questions and behaviour..no politeness in shops..mobile phone stolen on beach(castara)..police and authority a non existent ..WELCOME TO TOBAGO...joke
73388874Beach Bunny said on Sunday, Sep 4 at 10:33 AM
I have been comming to vacation in Tobago for the last 20 years. In the old days I would "catch a car" at any time of the night after liming were ever on the island. Today I would not even take a walk down the street in my village after dark!!!! Last winter made my first trip over to Barbados from Tobago and got a taxi to tour me around the island.One thing I noticed was that even at the most remote beaches on the island,there would be someone around or even hanging in a hammock back in the bush alittle. The taxi driver told me that they were UNDER COVER POLICE!!!!! He said because tourism is so important to there economy it was to make sure the visitors felt safe.He also told me that if a local was caught robbing or harming a forein person THEY WOULD DO A LOT OF HARD TIME IN PRISON. Maybe you folks in Tobago could learn a little from your neighbors up island......unless you don't care about tourism just the free cash you get from your government because of the gas an oil........
73365773the virginian said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 6:20 PM
Hi Trouble in Paradise,not only Canada,but here in parts of the US as well.I used to hype T&T,especially Tobago,as a tranquil vacation getaway,south of the border,to my buddies at the Starbucks coffee bar until I was recently reminded,with a silly grin,that it isn't so anymore.Looking forward to the day when this is reversed. Good luck T&T in this endeavor.
73346682trouble in paradise said on Friday, Sep 2 at 8:11 AM
Now the problems of TnT have reached at long last papers in Canada,the story always the same , tourists travel with extreme caution , Tobago is equally unsafe, no crimes appear to be solved for attacks on visitors , ask the Olsens and the Greens , there are many more who have experienced your horrific hospitality, I am sure Herr Taut would have a message for you all, he was buried in his garden ALIVE ,no justice for him or the others the citizens of Tobago have killed and injured for life,Tobago could be the Toxic waste Island for the Carribean Islands ,
73277561Bklyn... said on Tuesday, Aug 30 at 5:44 AM
'racist tone' is ridiculous and so was your 'angry' comment but it's obvious you are spoiling for literal confrontation and I aint havin' any of it; tobagonians by nature, nowadays, seem aggressive, you are probably no different and have realised that nowt can be done to save tobago. as a consequence of your comment(s) i'll not post again and intend abandoning any thought of bringing about a solution by forming a party that would solve problems with firm discipline, education, experience. I wish you well though, honestly.
73105919londonbagobwoy said on Tuesday, Aug 30 at 3:17 AM
Idont like it there any more..people are rude an aggressive an intimidatin. Went to block 22 for some chicken an a beer..in the space of half hr four diffrent persons tried to get me to buy dem food an drink..but they dont politely ask..no,they sneakily spin stories about how they`re workin undercover for the govt or army or big shot dis an dat..then say "buy me ah likkle shot nah bwoy"..(1 of dem got in my hire car unexpectedly and demanded to be taken to scarboro..i refused..! but was scared stiff)..i used to come bago twice a year an bring friends from england..but after my mates clothes were stolen off the washing line im too embarassed now..real shame..jus dont feel safe there anymore..went englishmans bay and was approached by 2 unsavoury characters claiming to be "financially embarassed" and ask "wat i cld do to help dem?" i said "how much you need?" "8 blue 1s" they replied..i told thm i didnt have it ,they raised their voices aggressively an said i b messin wid their heads..
73104078CONSCIOUSTRINGONIAN said on Monday, Aug 29 at 2:12 AM
ANOTHER PROBLEM TOBAGO FACES WITH THE CRIME SITUATION, IS WHEN THE LEADERS AT THE THA IGNORE THE VICTIMS AND DO NOT TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO HELP THE VICTIMS, SHOW TOBAGO AS A LOVING CARING PEOPLE. CRIME IS EVERYWHERE BUT IT IS HOW WE DEAL WITH IT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. WE ALSO NEED MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT LEADERS AT THE THA. SO DO NOT BLAME TOBAGO'S INCOMPETENCE ON TRINIDAD. TOBAGO IS A BEAUTIFUL PARADISE; IT JUST NEEDS THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP.
73055581BklynBago said on Sunday, Aug 28 at 11:07 PM
@ reltih floda... Now your post has a racist tone. What the hell is wrong with you, why are you so angry?
73052664reltih floda said on Sunday, Aug 28 at 3:44 PM
steps will be made to find out who had the audacity to attack a white man and his son in tobago; it may take time but eventually, through sources, they will be apprehended and paraded through streets, wearing sandwich boards...! it's the only way, to convince youth that crime doesn't pay and a criminal record ruins a life. what say you, agree?
73041814BklynBago said on Friday, Aug 26 at 9:47 PM
Many interesting comments from most of the bloggers. Don't think for a minute that the politicians don't know what Tobago needs - they are quite aware. The greatest problem facing Tobago is its relationship with Trinidad - politics. Most of the wonderful & grand ideas mentioned by bloggers here require funds from Trinidad which is hell bent on perpetual welfare for Tobago. The only hope is for the people to kick politicians aside, take the initiative and demand what is needed; FULL AUTONOMY FOR TOBAGO.
72982599bagonian said on Friday, Aug 26 at 8:59 AM
I agree with Katrina, print these comments in the Tobago News and send copies to the THA, maybe they'll figure out how to turn it around by immediately reacting to ANY crime whether on locals or tourists, and without sending "representatives" abroad; use newspaper and TV ads, and travel writers/agents "fam" trips instead, at the same time they start some sorely needed service training classes and beautification and de-congestion of Scarboro
72942418Anonymous said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 8:05 PM
@ Helpful advice,Those are some of the activities that Tobago needs. For some reasons Tobago do not cater to vacationing families their is not much for kids to do so visitors take their kids to Jamaica and to the other Islands that are kids friendly.T&T Tourism dept do not get it, every Island have beaches Tobago have to do a study to find out what can make them better and more competitive.The city need to be developed, outdoor dining,the port area needs to be developed.Tour operators need to up their game.
72923139Veteran tourist from England said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 4:09 PM
During the recent riots in the UK a young Malaysian boy was beaten up by thugs, and while he staggered around from the effects of the attack they robbed him. Immediately, there was outrage from the general population. Within hours a fund had been established by ordinary citizens to help him recover and with his studies. He received first class hospital treatment and appeared on TV with his country's Ambassador. Our own Prime Minister appeared outside 10 Downing Street to deplore the actions of the thugs. Within days there were arrests. What happened when the Greens were attacked in Tobago Your Government washed their hands of the event And the people of Tobago ignored it 2 weeks ago a Father and Son were attacked in a Villa Who really cares in Tobago And they wonder why Tourist don't come any more The downturn started in 2003 when several rapes in the Mount Irvine area were committed and were ignored by police It isn't going to get any better Do something about it
72911478kNowinthe said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 11:44 PM
There was a time in the 1990's when as a tourist entering the country immigration would be rude and antagonistic toward arriving tourists. They would often deny the visitor a visa for there month stay and make them go to the office in Scarborough to be investigated. If a tourist had visited Tobago often they would accuse them of working and deny them a visa. This is just one of the many negative attitudes that has caused the steady loss of Tourism.
72875247Desuperman said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 8:36 PM
The idea of water and amusement parks or zoos and the likes sound good, but the private sector can also develop these sorts of entertainment industries.Hopefully some foreign investor may see the opportunity or the need. The private sector is who developed most of what some of you are accustomed to in the foreign countries that you reside.
72868698Helpful Advice said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 4:28 PM
Tobago needs a lot of help with expanding and maintaining tourism! I truly agree with comments from Heores. Whenever I go there for a visit, it becomes boring after 2 days. There is absolutely nothing for children to do. How many times can one go to the beach? They need so resorts and activities to attract more tourists. Tobago is naturally Beautiful - it just needs to be developed to compete with the other Islands. The crime needs to be under control. Those who are in the service industry needs to be more professional, couteous and warm...it is a fact that some of the people are very rude. By no means am I trying to belittle my people, but we need to do better. How about buidling a theme park or water park, a zoo, museums, family entertainment, etc. I am sure those of you who travel will understand what I am saying. We don't need to put Tobago down, we just need constructive advice. Anyone know if these comments goes to any government officials? It's time to BUILD Tobago.
72858498Katrina said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 2:44 PM
Why don't you print these comments in your paper? I'm sure that many people haven't a clue what is written here. Let everyone read these remarks.
72852798Foreign Tourist said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 2:42 PM
With the "emergency state" in place & hopefully for more than 2 weeks, perhaps the army with be helpful to the police in cleaning up the criminals who roam, at leisure in T&T. If not & this very high % of crime persists, I'll be looking for a new place to visit - after visiting there for 34 years!!! I was hoping to celebrate my 35th year in 2012 but not with the risk of being attacked, molested or killed. What a waste of beautiful islands in the sun! Wake up citizens!!!
72852689reltih floda said on Wednesday, Aug 24 at 5:26 AM
with about eight weeks before the launch of the 'old hilton' we now find there is a state of emergency. that, effectively, scuppers any grand opening and, of course, puts yet another big nail in the coffin of tobago which soon will be UNOPENABLE! take your point about 'roaming' criminals, and dogs! is there any difference between them?
72828001Flowers. said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 4:05 PM
Yes! Tobago used to be a safe haven, ask the THA what have they done to make it un-safe as they encourage the laxed behaviour of the islanders where they think someone owes them something especially the Tourist who was mean't to increase income to the island. I don't blame anyone for not wanting to come and visit. Maybe now they would stay in places where they are safe like Barbados.
72800364Heroes, said on Tuesday, Aug 23 at 7:38 AM
Tourism is a lost cause for Tobago, who on earth would visit to be attacked hacked and injured , you have a huge rate of criminals , who roam at will, most of them are known by the residents who sit on their back sides and do nothing ,curfew should include Tobago ,to attract visitors , tighten up security , provide clean hotels at reasonable prices, instruct staff to welcome visitors not scowl and be rude, remember these visitors go back home (if lucky)and report to friends the treatment received whilst on the island , so mush to do to bring TnT up to world standards for travel ,there are more places to visit , so stay safe and stay away, until these islands are safe and the citizens wake up and realize the world does not owe them a living,
72768333conscioustringonian said on Saturday, Aug 20 at 6:48 PM
THE TDC NEEDS TO SPEND THE MONIES BUDGETED FOR TOURISM WISELY. THEY NEED TO SECURE MORE WEEKLY FLIGHTS FROM NEW YORK. WHY IS OUR LOCAL AIRLINE ONLY FLYING ONCE A WEEK FROM NEW YORK! IT APPEARS THE THA HAS SOLD OUT OUR RIGHTS TO OTHER AIRLINES,EVEN THOUGH THE THA KNOWS THAT TRANSPORTATION IS SO IMPORTANT FOR TOURISM. WHY DO WE HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO PAY REPRESENTATIVES TO PROMOTE TOBAGO, I THINK THE EMBASSIES COULD DO THAT JOB, ALSO ADVERTISING IN THE MOST POPULAR NEWS PAPERS IN THESE COUNTRIES WILL DO BETTER THAN HAVING A REPRESENTATIVE THAT MAY BE ISOLATED TO ONE AREA OF A COUNTRY. FIRSTLY, BEFORE WE SPEND MONIES PROMOTING TOBAGO, WE NEED TO EFFECTIVELY FIX TOBAGO, IN TERMS OF CRIME, BEAUTIFICATION, HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY BEFORE WE SPEND ANY MONEY TO PROMOTE TOBAGO LETS GET TOBAGONIANS INVOLVED IN PROMOTING TOURISM,THROUGH BEING SERVICE ORIENTED, BEING RESPECTFUL AND PATRIOTIC. THESE FEW INITIATIVES WILL GO VERY FAR TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPING TOURISM IN TOBAGO.
72661057BklynBago said on Saturday, Aug 20 at 10:59 AM
@ reltih floda... you continue to bask in your ignorance with your dislike for Tobago and recomending your draconian measures which you know doesn't work in democratic societies. So cotinue to blow hot air and explode...
72646767reltih floda said on Saturday, Aug 20 at 6:09 AM
forget 'the greens' the murders in bacolet, the hold-ups, rapes, criminals not apprehended, corruption of a useless police force, let's encourage tourists to come in and 'risk' a holiday in one of the most dangerous islands on earth, percentage-wise! see my recommendations elsewhere and don't be so oblivious to the prospect of complacency and oblivion. talk is cheap but that's all you offer!
72639704TRINLIME said on Saturday, Aug 20 at 4:42 AM
So again money is always first than safety in beaches. Jetskis will kill tourists until you educate young people and teach them respect for life. Tobago beaches will continue to be very dangerous until severe safety measures be in place, otherwise we will keep on hearing about maimed people in Tobago beaches.
72638779BklynBago said on Saturday, Aug 20 at 2:01 AM
So how is the hospital coming along? Well I know that they won't aggressively market Tobago as a tourist destination as long as they would have to fly them to Trinidad for treatment in an emergency situation. So if and when Tobago is ready, the tourist will come. Until then it's the same s**t.
72636814Hugh Know said on Friday, Aug 19 at 9:41 PM
I have seen the folks deplaning the JFK/TAB flight and they are mostly nationals returning from Brooklyn, etc. Not too many foreign types. The plane is full as it is a decent time to fly on an Sunday from NYC, but it is mostly filled with folks going onto Trinidad. The "foreign" people in NY do not know Tobago exists and know nothing about this flight. So please stop the lies and get real. Pitiful marketing job in NYC, the largest travel agent Liberty Travel in NYC knows nothing about Tobago, how is that possible? Only Coco Reef and Stonehaven, they did not even know we have golf courses, diving, fishing, or a rain forest. This is the largest agency in NYC, what a shame!!!! I guess the great spokes person for Tobago said " Tobago is for Tobagonians". I guess it is nice to have oil and gas at the moment so all "we" can be employed because of Trinidad handouts. We can do better.
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