Trotman: Tourism allocation in THA budget just a wish-list

Kaye Trotman, President of Tobago Unique Bed and Breakfast & Self-Catering Association, is pleased that incentives discussed in pre-budget discussions were included in this year’s Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) 2018/2019 budget statement but wants to wait till the national budget is presented to see exact allocation for the sector.

The $4.47 billion budget was presented on Monday by Finance Secretary Joel Jack, at the Assembly Chamber, Jerningham Street, Scarborough.

Speaking to Newsday Tobago on Tuesday, Trotman said items raised in pre-budget consultations between Jack and the Association were just a wish list, dependent on the national budget.

“But to me, it is a wish list because we know when it goes to central government it will be cut in terms of what Tobago normally gets, but we still wait to see what the final budget will be like in September,” she said.

Trotman also said a $355.4 million allocation to the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation in the THA budget was not enough to grow the tourism sector.

“It will never be enough because of the amount of work that needs to be done but I am also considering the environment we are in with limited funds, we have to see how far the money can go and how much it can do.

“We are so far behind in the tourism sector I don’t think that in itself would be enough to stimulate growth…but we have to do with whatever we have.”

Trotman suggested that the Division, with its final allocation, focus on the marketing of Tobago, securing airlift and ensuring all tourism stakeholders are equipped to provide a better experience to visitors.

“We need to improve our hospitality, product and customer service around the clock, not only to our international tourists but to our local visitors. We need to balance between our airlifts, our marketing position and also try some innovative options to marketing based on what we have now so that when we improve, we can expand,” she said.