Tobago chamber urges private sector: Increase island's room stock

ENCOURAGED by the high occupancy rate during the October carnival, Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce vice-president Demi John Cruickshank has called on the private sector to increase the island’s room stock ahead of next year’s festival.

He made the call on Wednesday at a news conference at the chamber’s headquarters, Mc AL Building, Milford Road, Scarborough.

Hoteliers have reported near-record occupancy levels, particularly villas.

Cruickshank said, “As early as January, we want to see construction of villas, guesthouses because if we are going to increase the arrivals on the island, we have to have additional room stock.

“We may not be able to construct a large hotel within this space of time, but certainly this is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Tobago to at least do some villas, because we looked at the villa market. It was one of the first markets that was filled up very quickly.”

He said entrepreneurs can capitalise on the momentum gained during the carnival by building guesthouses, villas and apartments early in the new year.

Cruickshank said the chamber will also be pushing for the October carnival to be launched as early as April.

“The reason for this is that we want to attract a lot of international guests. And when we spoke to the hoteliers, they did indicate that they want at least a good six months' lead to getting the advertisement out there.”

One hotelier, he said, noted that people from various parts of the US, Atlanta and Miami, as well as Canada, have already expressed interest in coming for next year’s carnival.

“If they can get the launch as early as Easter, those visitors can start planning their holidays for the October carnival early.”

Cruickshank said there is no reason why the island should wait until Caribbean Airlines releases flight schedules before it starts advertising the carnival.

“So we are asking the assembly to make the necessary preparations to do the launch of carnival at least right after Easter, because we know what fete will be on what night. We know that Voice (Aaron St Louis) is going to be on the Carnival Friday night. We know the Jade Monkey’s breakfast party is going to be on the Saturday morning. We already know the prominent fetes that are going to take place.

"So we can at least start to generate the calendar of events.”

The Vibes With Voicey show was held at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on October 27.