3 September/October 2016 Issue
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
In this issue • Trinidad and Tobago Celebrates World Tourism Day • TDC joins the International Community in Conserving the Nation’s Oceans • T&T welcomes North American Travel Writers • T&T’s first ever Junior Minister of Tourism shines in Barbados • Trinidad Featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine • Las Cuevas Beach receives record third Blue Flag Certification T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
2
Welcome
What is TTrends E-Blast? Welcome to Issue #3 of our TTrends E-Blast! The Tourism E-Blast is a monthly editorial piece developed by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) that highlights travel and tourism happenings in Trinidad and Tobago, keeping all within the industry informed. This issue promises to be an exciting one as it features the many marketing campaigns designed by the TDC to promote destination Trinidad and Tobago as well as engender a spirit of national pride among locals and Trinbagonians living abroad.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
3
What’s T&T Tourism happening News
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CELEBRATES WORLD TOURISM DAY The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, officially reopened the La Brea Museum and Visitor Centre in commemoration of World Tourism Day which is celebrated this year under the theme “TOURISM FOR ALL: PROMOTING UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY.”
Joining Minister Cudjoe at this ceremony were The Honourable Nicole Olivierre, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, and Member of Parliament for La Brea; and Paralympics’Athlete and swimming sensation Shanntol Ince.
The World Tourism Day’s theme highlights the critical need for tourism destinations to ensure accessibility to all regardless of a person’s cultural profile, physical or mental limitations or the special needs required by them (such as the needs of children or the elderly). The refurbished La Brea Museum and Visitor Centre now provide universal accessibility for all.
Each year on September 27, the global community commemorates World Tourism Day, to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
Photo Caption: From L-R, Nicole Olivierre, Minister of Energy And Energy Industries and the Member of Parliament for La Brea; Warren Solomon, Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) at the TDC; national swimming champion and youth motivational speaker Shanntol Ince; Lisa Bholai, Research and Communications Officer at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities and; Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism officially re-open the La Brea Museum and Visitor Centre on September 27, 2016 – World Tourism Day.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
24
T&T Tourism News
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO LAUNCHES TOURISM AND HEALTH PROGRAMME The Tourism Development Company in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), hosted the launch of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism and Health Programme (THP) on Friday 23rd September, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
• A regional tourism health information, surveillance, monitoring and response system to facilitate early warning and responses
The launch of the THP signalled the implementation of the Inter-American Development Bank-funded “Regional Tourism Health Information, Monitoring and Response System” in Trinidad and Tobago. With CARPHA as the guiding agency behind its development, the THP is designed to address the health, safety and environmental (HSE) threats that impact on sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. It includes:
• A training program to build capacity in food and environmental safety
• A set of credible Caribbean–wide HSE tourism standards with accompanying certification The key stakeholders for the project in Trinidad and Tobago are the Tourism Development Company; Ministry of Tourism; Tobago House of Assembly; Ministry of Health; Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association; Caribbean Public Health Agency (project implementer); InterAmerican Development Bank (project funder); Caribbean Hospitality and Tourism Association.
Photo Caption: From L-R- Mr. Brian Frontin, CEO , Trinidad, Hotels , Restaurants and Tourism Association; Mr. Tomas Bermudez, Country Representative, Inter-American Development Bank; The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism; Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Tourism and Health Programme and; Mr. Warren Solomon, Chief Executive Officer (Ag.), TDC at the Launch of the Tourism and Health Programme in Trinidad on Friday September 23rd, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
53
T&T Tourism News
TDC JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN CONSERVING THE NATION’S OCEANS Over 4000 pounds of garbage were collected in under four hours by volunteers at the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) held on September 17, 2016 at the Las Cuevas Beach Facility. Coordinated by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Coca Cola Bottlers and Alstons Marketing Company Limited (AMCO), the clean-up attracted approximately 360 volunteers, including members of the Protectors of the Environment (POE), a Las Cuevas Community group.
The TDC is a member of the ICC National Planning Committee, which was formed to facilitate the active involvement of various stakeholders in the national clean-up exercise and is spearheaded globally by Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit organisation whose work has been instrumental in highlighting the global problem of marine pollution, guiding international policy development and engaging people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife.
Photo Caption: Minister of Tourism Shamfa Cudjoe joins the coastal clean-up at Las Cuevas Beach Facility on September 17, 2016.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
26
T&T Tourism News T&T WELCOMES NORTH AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITERS From 13th – 17th September, 2016, the Tourism Development Company Ltd (TDC) hosted the 2016 Society of American Travel Writers Freelance (SATW) Council Meeting for writers, broadcasters and photographers from the United States of American and Canada. The hosting of the Society of American Travel Writers Freelance (SATW) Council Meeting 2016 in Trinidad and Tobago, formed part of the TDC’s plans to increase awareness of destination Trinidad and Tobago in North America. Members of SATW’s Freelance Council include writers, broadcasters, digital journalists, and photographers from the United States and Canada. In magazines, newspapers, travel books and guides, radio and television programs, and online travel websites and blogs, SATW’s members strive to provide complete, accurate and interesting information on travel destinations, facilities and services.
The delegates’ itinerary included a mix of meetings as well as opportunities to explore Trinidad and Tobago for story ideas and photography that meet the needs of their respective audiences and media outlets. The group’s itinerary was arranged by the TDC and the Trinidad & Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association and included visits to sites and attractions on both islands, as well as cultural and culinary experiences, designed to present the destination’s attributes to a diverse mix of consumers across various media platforms. The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is the most exclusive and prestigious organization in North America for professional travel writers, photographers, broadcasters and digital journalists.
TDC HOSTS QUALITY IN TOURISM STAKEHOLDER FORUM The Tourism Development Company hosted a Quality in Tourism Stakeholder Forum on Wednesday 24th August, 2016 at the Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre in Claxton Bay. As tourism operators strive to raise the standard and quality of their operations, the Forum sought to address challenges they face due to the lack of understanding of the industry by public organisations that provide critical support. In attendance were representatives from regional corporations, various government ministries, members of the Fire Service, taxi service providers, accommodation providers, restauranteurs, tour guides and community and ecotourism groups. The public and private sector industry stakeholders worked together to identify strategies and develop solutions
to overcome the challenges faced by tourism operators in the achievement of quality standards. Participants were divided into multi-sectoral groups based on their industry and expertise and asked to provide an analysis of the challenges faced by the industry and to recommend potential solutions. These potential solutions were discussed at the forum, paving the way for the development of a working paper. The working paper will be used in the creation of a national tourism quality policy and supporting strategy that will provide a framework and direction for enhancing and maintaining the quality of the national tourism product.
TDC HOSTS CONVENTION BUREAU BUSINESS FORUM The Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau (TTCB), a unit of the Tourism Development Company, hosted a Convention Bureau Business Forum on August 19 at the Banquet & Conference Centre at Movie Towne, Port of Spain to lift the profile of the Convention Bureau by raising awareness about its role and complimentary services. Representatives of the business community and
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
professional bodies attended the Forum that showcased how TTCB can add value to an association’s conference and demonstrate the possible economic impact for Trinidad and Tobago. The forum’s keynote speaker was Ms. Connie Kinnard, Vice President Multiculturalism Tourism & Development at the Greater Miami CVB.
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
73
T&T Tourism News
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES WINS WORLD TRAVEL AWARD FOR 6TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR Caribbean Airlines has for the sixth consecutive year, emerged as the “Caribbean’s Leading Airline” at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards™ 2016 held at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on September 17th Commenting on the airline’s success, Dionne Ligoure, Head of Corporate Communications at the airline stated: “Caribbean Airlines
is thrilled to be named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airline’ for the 6th consecutive year. We are transforming the way we do business with customer focussed service improvements, which give our customers a value added, positive travel experience. This award affirms that we are providing the value our customers demand and provides a good foundation as Caribbean Airlines moves to achieve its vision of being the preferred airline serving the Caribbean.”
Photo Caption: Caribbean Airlines’ Head of Corporate Communications, Dionne Ligoure receives the award on behalf of Caribbean Airlines from World Travel Awards founder, Graham Cooke. Also in photo is a representative of Sandals Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
28
T&T Tourism News
T&T’S FIRST EVER JUNIOR MINISTER OF TOURISM SHINES AT CTO La Quan Pearie, Trinidad and Tobago’s first ever Junior Minister of Tourism, placed second in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress 2016. Held on Friday September 16 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, La Quan delivered an exhilarating speech on the topic, “The Customer’s Perception of the Brand.” As Junior Minister of Tourism, La Quan, a fourth form student of Manzanilla Secondary School will be responsible for leading community tourism projects, engaging tourism stakeholders across
Trinidad and Tobago and promoting the establishment of tourism youth clubs throughout our twin island Republic. The Tourism Youth Congress is structured to mirror a CTO Board of Directors meeting and its main aim is to stimulate greater awareness and excitement about tourism among young people in the Caribbean Community by allowing them to research various facets of the tourism sector and share their ideas and vision with respect to future directions for Caribbean Tourism.
Photo Caption: Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe presents La Quan Pearie with his Instrument of Appointment as“Youth Ambassador for Tourism” in Trinidad and Tobago.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
3
Thank You
T&T DOMESTIC TOURISM CAMPAIGN
We invited you to rediscover our beautiful country through our heritage and history, chocolates and caves, exciting tours and exotic trips. Now we look forward to you, our tourism ambassadors, sharing your domestic tourism experiences with your friends both here in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad. Post your Stay to Get Away photos to social media using the hashtag #StaytoGetAwayTT. Special thanks to all tourism stakeholders that participated in the campaign. Stay to Get Away 2016 would not have been a success without your dedication to the local tourism industry.
Islands of Trinidad and Tobago @GoTrinbago @GoTrinbago T R
I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
www.tdc.co.tt
10 2
Calendar Of Events
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
23rd October, 2016
6th November, 2016
Immortelle Charity Golf Tournament
Club Team Golf Championships
Venue: St. Andrews Golf Club, Moka, Maraval, Trinidad Contact: Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) Tel: 868 629-7127
Location: Trinidad Contact: Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) Tel: 868 629-7127
21st-23rd October, 2016
11th – 13th November, 2016
Tobago Masters Football Tournament
Tobago Beach Soccer Championships
Location: Tobago Contact: 868 742-2512 Email: tobagomasters@swtouring.com
Time: 9:00am – 10:00pm Location: Tobago Contact: 868 660-2381; 868 796-6528
29th October, 2016
19th November, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Event Type: Craft Market Venue: YWCA, Gordon Street, St. Augustine, Trinidad Email: gypsymalltt@gmail.com
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm Venue: Green Market, Saddle Road, Santa Cruz, Trinidad Website: www.greenmarketsantacruz.com
Orchid Day
The Eastern Market
Public Holiday
Trinidad and Tobago Divali - 29th October, 2016
Tourism Corner Look out for the Tourism Corner every first and third Tuesday of each month in the Trinidad Express. Tourism Corner covers Trinidad and Tobago’s burgeoning tourism sector and features new initiatives, projects and programmes which impact the industry.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
What’s happening? FEATURED EVENTS
11 3
Be a
in the #tntisstarservice CAMPAIGN RULES
1 2 3
When you
Follow us on social media Facebook: IslandsofTrinidadandTobago Instagram: @gotrinbago Twitter: @gotrinbago
Take a selfie with the tourism service professional whom you believe provided service delivery excellence. Upload the photo to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, including the full name of the tourism service professional, the name of the company at which he or she works, a brief description of your star service experience, and #tntisstarservice.
4
Every month the top five (5) photos with the most votes will be judged and two (2) will each be eligible to win.
5
Both the photo submitter and the tourism service professional captured in the photo will receive prizes valued at TT $1000.00.
6
Promotion ends on October 31st, 2016.
Visit our Facebook page IslandsofTrinidadandTobago for more details.
IslandsofTrinidadandTobago
STAR
everyone Wins!
@gotrinbago
www.tdc.co.tt
This promotion was approved by the NLCB
STAR HASHTAG CAMPAIGN CONTINUES The Tourism Development Company’s STAR Hashtag Campaign is currently in full swing until October 31st, 2016. The campaign is designed to encourage and reward customer service excellence within the tourism sector. As such, we have been asking customers to be on the lookout for great service from professionals employed in the hospitality, food and beverage and retail sectors as well as at our airports, tourist transportation, ferry and water taxi services. The hashtag campaign’s rules are copied above for your information.
T R I N I D A D
@gotrinbago
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
2 12
What’s happening? FEATURED EVENTS
TRINIDAD FEATURED IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER MAGAZINE Destination Trinidad is the focus of a 14-page feature entitled, “The Song of Trinidad” in the August-September issue of National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The article focuses on elements of Carnival, the destination’s “liming” culture, and ecological sites and attractions. Authored by Eric Felten with photographs by Aaron Huey, the piece features nine full pages of spectacular photography of Carnival imagery like steelbands in action and “ole mas” characters as well as stunning images of Paria Beach and hummingbirds. The National Geographic Traveler feature is a direct result of a Media Familiarisation Trip for North American Markets, hosted by the Tourism Development Company in February 2016. Felten and Huey, along with nine other journalists and photographers from North American publications like Rolling Stone Magazine, Ebony Magazine and others, each came with a unique destination focus, ranging from music and culture, to steelpan and outdoor travel, Carnival, and Caribbean Lifestyle. Their itinerary included attending Panorama Finals, participating in J’Ouvert, visiting mas camps and touring the island’s various sites and attractions. National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine. Through powerful storytelling and photography, each issue inspires curious readers with stories that show the transformative power of travel. Go beyond the usual tourist fare for authentic experiences—many from a local’s point of view—with expert advice and tips for travel that is sustainable and smart. To view the digital version of the article, please click here.
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
10
133
Spotlight
LAS CUEVAS BEACH RECEIVES RECORD THIRD BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION For the third consecutive year, Trinidad and Tobago will raise the coveted Blue Flag at the Las Cuevas Beach Facility, having been recognized by the Blue Flag International Jury in September 2016. Blue Flag is an internationally-recognized, voluntary, environmental award presented to organizations and facilities that reach the appropriate level of environmental management and education in respect of their beaches and marinas. In order to receive a Blue Flag designation, a beach or marina must meet strict criteria including the assessment of water quality, the provision of environmental education and information, environmental management, and the provision of safety and security services. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Blue Flag programme is coordinated by Asclepius Green, a local non-governmental organization (NGO) and the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), in an effort to ensure sustainable development of the sector and the
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
proper management of human impacts on the environment, whilst ensuring high levels of visitor satisfaction. At Blue Flag beaches like Las Cuevas there are dedicated management committees set up to conduct environmental audits of the site and its facilities. The committee is also responsible for ensuring that nearby habitats (such as nesting leatherbacks in Las Cuevas) are protected and managed sustainably. The Tourism Development Company continues to work with Asclepius Green and a 12-member National Blue Flag Jury to ensure the beach maintains its acquired status and continues to work on the establishment of other Blue Flag beaches within Trinidad and Tobago. For more information on the Blue Flag Programme, please click here.
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
2 contact information
Tourism Development Company Limited
Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago
Level 1, Maritime Centre #29 Tenth Avenue, Barataria Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 675-7034-7
12 Sangster’s Hill, Scarborough Tel: 868- 639-5126 Fax: 868-639-4369
Piarco International Airport Office
Crown Point International Airport. Phone: 868-639-0509 Cruise Ship Complex, Scarborough Phone: 868-635-0934 Website: www.visittobago.gov.tt
Tourist Information Office
Tel: (868) 669-5196/6044, (868) 800-4TNT Email: info@tdc.co.tt
Ministry of Tourism Levels 8 & 9, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 624-1403, 624-3151, 624-4792, 625-0963 Fax: (868) 625-1825, 625-3894 Email: mintourism@tourism.gov.tt touresearch@tourism.gov.tt
Send us your feedback: info@tdc.co.tt Social Media Links www.facebook.com/islandsoftrinidadandtobago/ #gotrinbago @gotrinbago www.tdc.co.tt
www.tdc.co.tt
PANTONE COLOURS #009B67 340 C #ED037C 213 C #FFE01B 7404 C #ED1B2D
1788 C
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
3
T R I N I D A D
&
T O B A G O
T O U R I S M
E - B L A S T
www.tdc.co.tt
September/October 2016 Issue