Tourism Stakeholders Looks Ahead To Bumper 2026 Season Despite Global Challenges
Tourism stakeholders are hopeful about the future of the industry but have expressed concerns over several global factors that may impact its success.
During Tourism Trinidad Limited’s end-of-year meet and greet at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, some tourism sector professionals gave solutions and suggestions to some of the challenges faced in the industry.
According to Managing Director of Banwari Experience Limited, Andrew Welch, Destination Trinidad has a lot of potential.
« I personally believe that we have one of the best tourism products, not just in the Caribbean, one of the best products in the world. It is one of the most diverse and comprehensive products. »
He said one of the major issues that must be addressed is the way the destination’s products are marketed internationally.
« Our product goes a lot further than the beach or Carnival. A big part of our product is our people, how our people interact, and the things our people do. When we bring visitors into it and really allow them the pleasure of being a part of what we do, that’s when you see the excitement. That’s when you realise how big the Trinidad and Tobago tourism product is. »
Public Relations Officer of the Small Tourism Accommodation Owners of Trinidad & Tobago, Patricia Wiltshire, is confident that tourism can become one of the country’s major economic contributors with the right support.
« Government needs to put more into tourism so that, in the future, we would be stronger, especially the stakeholders, would be stronger and able to support our Tourism Ministry. Looking forward, tourism must be encouraged, to be expanded to move into the global arena with positivity, and also, we must encourage professionalism and serve our customers in a very timely manner. »
As the cruise ship arrival season goes into high gear from December to May and Carnival is just around the corner, tourism stakeholders are hopeful for a bumper 2026 season and a happier new year.
