Tourism stakeholders are welcoming the opening of the East Terminal at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago, describing it as a major step forward for the island’s tourism sector.
The terminal was officially commissioned on Tuesday, with flights arriving and departing from the facility today.
Among those welcoming the development is Chairman of the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Curtis Williams.
“I think this was long awaited, and we want to say thanks to the government for really making this a reality for the Tobago people, and we will cherish it and make good use of it.”
President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, Reginald Mc Lean, who is often a harsh critic, said the people of Tobago should be proud of the new terminal.
“It’s lovely to see that this airport terminal is finally going to be opened because we cannot leave Tobago without a proper terminal for people coming in.”
He noted that discussions and negotiations with international tourism partners hinged on the opening of the new airport terminal.
“A lot of people abroad that we deal with that brings the people to stay in our accommodation have been waiting on this. So it is a positive thing. Hopefully now that this is going to be opened that we can get the planes coming in because negotiations have been going on with various airlines.”
The facility comes as Caribbean Airlines prepares to launch direct flights between Toronto and Tobago on October 25th, while direct service to Ogle, Guyana, is also expected to begin soon.
However, Mr Mc Lean believes improvements are still needed within the accommodation sector, noting that at least eight properties are being put up for sale.
Meanwhile, at the recent sod-turning ceremony for the Marriott-branded hotel at Rocky Point, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine outlined plans to assist hoteliers in improving their product.
Meanwhile, at the recent sod-turning ceremony for the Marriott-branded hotel at Rocky Point, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine outlined plans to assist hoteliers in improving their product.
“You will see within the coming months an aggressive programme to convert some of the existing rooms we have on the island into 4- and 5-star rooms so that we have some upgrade.”
For hoteliers such as the general manager of Mt Irvine Bay Resort, Alpha Lorde, it is good news.
“Marriott by itself will not be the end-all and be all for Tobago. It’s all the players being involved, all the large hotels who have struggled from COVID to now being part of it, the eco-system, and I think the Chief Secretary speaking to that helps and benefits us all.”