Trinidad and Tobago is targeting a significant expansion of its tourism sector, with plans to increase the industry’s contribution to GDP to US$1.7 billion by 2030.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Abigail Bynoe, says achieving that goal will require significant growth in several niche tourism markets.
“As you are aware, tourism was not serious in Trinidad and Tobago. It was serious everywhere else in the Caribbean. Tourism drives or is the mainstay of mostly all of the Caribbean islands, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Acting Permanent Secretary Bynoe said the government has set an ambitious target for the sector’s growth over the next several years.
“Tourism is earmarked for diversification. We are aiming to increase the contribution of tourism to GDP to US$1.7 billion by 2030. Now, that’s a big jump from where we are, and it will require great strides.”
She said the Ministry has already identified six priority areas for development, including yachting and marine services, eco-tourism, health tourism, business conferences, cultural tourism, and sport tourism.
She noted that the yachting sector alone presents significant opportunities for revenue generation.
“On average, the yacht that comes to Trinidad and Tobago and does services in the Chaguaramas area can spend US$30,000. We are about 500 for the year. We are looking to double that, and of course, we are looking to double that the next year because that is where the business is.”
Ms Bynoe also highlighted the country’s competitive advantages in eco-tourism.
“The average eco-tourist spends four times more than the normal tourist when they do ecotourism. What does Trinidad have as a competitive advantage? Birds. And believe you me, those bird tourists are spending money. You need to just look at what Asa Wright is, what kind of business they bring in.”
Acting PS Bynoe said medical tourism is another area the government intends to pursue, with plans aimed at attracting overseas patients.
“We are going to look at creating a facility, world-class, standards-accredited facility, to bring in those people who are coming in for specialist medical services, paediatric, cardiovascular.”
She stressed, however, that the government cannot achieve its tourism goals alone, calling for greater private sector involvement in developing attractions and services.