Plenty to discover in Tobago

CHIEF SECRETARY Kelvin Charles has declared there is much to still discover in Tobago, promising travellers an "unparalleled experience" if they visit these shores. Charles was speaking at World Travel Market 2018 at the Excel Centre in London, where he led a contingent which included Tourism Secretary Nadine Stewart-Phillips and members of the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd.

The THA has spearheaded a new tourism thrust focusing on Destination Tobago: Beyond Ordinary.

Addressing a packed room, Charles told the audience, which comprised journalists, bloggers, media houses, High Commissioner Orville London and Tobago tourism stakeholders, that Tobago is still waiting to be discovered.

“This unspoilt, untouched, waiting to be truly discovered piece of natural estate is poised to offer you that unforgettable, unbeatable and unparalleled experience. A destination of destinations; the ultimate, beyond ordinary.”

Charles noted Tobago offers a variety of delights to interest all potential visitors.

“Come and see, come and see – our unrivalled heritage, our matchless culture, our hospitable people, our mouthwatering culinary delights and our incomparable flora and fauna.”

The audience was also addressed by Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation, Nadine Stewart-Phillips, who indicated that she had set up the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd. (TTAL) in 2017, to spearhead the marketing of Tobago as a destination.

“Having engaged Louis Lewis as CEO of TTAL, we are here one year later presenting a new brand for Tobago with the identified core attractors being, ‘Romance and Weddings’, ‘Local Culture, People & Heritage’, ‘Sea and Beaches’ and ‘Eco Tourism & Nature.’"

CEO of TTAL, Louis Lewis, was also present and provided the media with the background of the Go To Market Strategy and destination imagery for Tobago.

During the three-day trade show which ended yesterday, the THA and TTAL contingent engaged in meetings with both existing partners such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, as well as prospective partners such as PGA European Tour.

Travelling with the contingent to showcase some of Tobago’s culture were ace pannist Duvonne Stewart, vocalist Yolanda Thomas and drummer Dominic Williams.

INAUGURAL SUNWING FLIGHT IN DECEMBER

Intense discussions between the THA and Sunwing Tours continued on Tuesday and bore fruition at World Travel Market 2018. The meeting took place between Charles, Stewart-Phillips, chairman of the TTAL Board Dr Sherma Roberts, CEO of TTAL Lewis and executive president of Partner Development Tour Operations, Sunwing Tours, Eric Rodriguez.

The meeting confirmed the existing agreement that would see Sunwing Tours commencing operations with its Toronto to Tobago flight from December. According to Charles, “Sunwing presents a golden opportunity for Tobago, given its expanded operations that include tour operations, airline operations and hotel operations.” Sunwing is a key partner in the Rex chain of properties in the Caribbean, which also includes Rex Turtle Beach Hotel, Tobago.

Rodriguez highlighted that Canadians will leave the most tax revenue upon spending time in Tobago, through the booking of hotels and excursions, as well as transfers. He also noted that Toronto is in the top five largest North American cities.

Stewart-Phillips said she is looking forward to launching the new Tobago branding and destination imagery to the Canadian market, in particular Toronto. “Sunwing represents the level of partnership we are aiming to achieve as a Division for our tourism product. Tourism is a competitive industry, however, with the right partnerships and linkages and now our new branding strategy, Tobago will be in a very strong position”.

The inaugural Sunwing flight will arrive in Tobago on December 20.