Tobago enjoyed 79 per cent hotel occupancy for Easter

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association president Chris James says the island’s accommodation sector enjoyed 79.1 per cent occupancy over the Easter weekend.

The association reported a 76 per cent occupancy rate a week before Easter.

At that time, James said the percentage encompassed hotels, guesthouses and villas.

He said the villas were almost completely booked.

But James said he was not getting too excited “because it is only for four days.”

With the continued closure of TT’s borders to the international market, Tobago’s hotel sector is still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

During the past year, several hotels were virtually shut down while others operated with a small staff.

On Tuesday, James said the association was grateful for the patronage.

“We had 79.1 per cent for Easter and that was across all sectors. But the villas did really well,” he told Newsday.

“Normally, we would get about 95 per cent. But it was good considering. It is thee best we have done for years so we are pleased about that.”

There were reports that an estimated 50,000 people visited Tobago over the Easter weekend.

Covid19 cases in Tobago have increased tremendously since the Easter holidays.

On Tuesday, the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development announced 11 new cases on the island. The latest report took the active cases on the island to 30.

Prior to Good Friday there were 12 active cases on the island.

The Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported 171 cases nationally, and three deaths.

Dr Roxanne Mitchell, acting general manager, Primary Care Services, Tobago Regional Health Authority, on Tuesday declined to comment on whether there were any links between new covid19 cases in Trinidad and visitors to Tobago over the Easter period.

"With regards to the cases in Trinidad, the Office of the CMOH (County Medical Officer of Health) conducts investigations in terms of contact tracing and they will be able to give a better response. I can't speak with regard whether there are any links to the Trinidad cases."