Mitchell: Carnival Village, special cruise being planned

TOURISM Minister Randall Mitchell says his ministry is in discussions on the establishment of a Carnival Village and a special Carinval cruise.

He was responding to a question in Parliament Tuesday on why cruise-ship arrivals were not timed to coincide with Carnival activities.

Mitchell explained cruise lines booked their itineraries two to three years in advance and those bookings were made at the discretion of the cruise line. He reported during the 2019 Carnival period culminating in Carnival Tuesday 4,457 cruise passengers arrived in TT.

"On arrival, cruise passengers are exposed to elements of our national culture from the moment they arrive on the quay side where they can view and participate in Carnival-type activities. Cruise passengers also participate in pre-booked tours to panyards, mas camps and, lately, the Carnival Arts and Cultural Display at the Stollmeyer's Castle, which features Carnival-associated and culturally relevant experiences."

He also said the ministry had held discussions with the National Carnival Commission and other private operators on the establishment of a Carnival Village. He said the ministry was also in discussions with an interested party who had expressed interest in promoting a special charter Carnival-themed cruise to Trinidad during the Carnival weekend.