Tobago Business Chamber saddened by Sandals' withdrawal

TOBAGO BUSINESS CHAMBER says it is saddened by the decision of Sandals Resorts International to pull out of Tobago.

In a statement issued shortly after the decision was announced, the chamber said it also regretted the withdrawal by Sandals from its proposed investment in the development of two major hotels on the sister-isle.

It expressed hope that all sides will be able to return to the table to resume negotiations and to find workable solutions.

“We remain convinced that such business, development and investment can be done while still preserving and maintaining and nurturing the natural environment and the eco-systems of the island in keeping with the maintenance of its natural beauty and pristine status as a paradise which can manage both the competing forces of development and infrastructural improvement along with preservation of the heritage and environment for future generations,” the chamber said.

Sandals’ CEO Gebhard Rainer, at a press conference today, said the main reason for withdrawing was the negative publicity surrounding the project.

In its statement, the chamber also expressed the hope that “one way or another”, Tobago recognised need for brand-name hotels to boost and promote its tourism thrust.

“The international significance of a major brand brings with it a certain pull in terms of increased destination branding and destination awareness, greater airlift, greater interest by other airlines and greater improvements in standards and quality of service delivery and greater economic benefits all round. When the tide rises, it lifts all boats with it, both the big and the small ones,” the chamber said.

It also added that it was convinced that with the billions of dollars of investment, in construction, job creation, training and service delivery that come with such projects, it was for the benefit of the Tobago people.

“The possible loss of the associated projects such as the airport expansion, the marina, golf course and other infrastructural developmental works, will also spell tremendous and significant economic and foreign investment losses to Tobago and Tobagonians.

“It therefore remains the unending hope and desire of the Tobago Business Chamber that there can still be some way of salvaging this deal and investment and infrastructural development which Tobago desperately needs.”