TRINIDAD
The modern, cosmopolitan, and naturally beautiful island of Trinidad is the most southerly in the Caribbean Sea.
In fact, just seven miles separate Trinidad from the northeastern coastline of Venezuela, positioning it even closer to the South American mainland than its twin island of Tobago, which lies 20 miles to the north.
One of the things that makes the island distinctly Trinidadian is the friendliness and warmth of its people, who embody the country’s tropical average daily temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (°C).
Trinidadians also take nightlife and entertainment seriously, with bars, clubs, and lounges offering ample opportunity to ‘lime’ the night away and sip on sizzling cocktails.
A multitude of food and drink vendors, meanwhile, serve up eclectic street food full of character, whilst world-class fine dining experiences invite you to indulge in Trinidad’s incredible cuisine.
Eat to your heart’s content and shop until you drop in Trinidad’s bustling coastal capital city, Port of Spain, a vibrant entertainment hub that serves up several
TRINIDAD
Far from ordinary, the twin island of Trinidad is anything but identical to its Caribbean siblings and neighbours, with unique culture, experiences, natural wonders, and attractions not found anywhere else in the region
WRITER: JACK SALTER | PROJECT MANAGER:
TRINIDAD
impressive shopping and dining destinations.
Away from the island’s large shopping centres, which can also be found in San Fernando and Chaguanas, a visit to the rustic inner-city markets provides an ambience of lively trade, including abundant fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and other locally produced items.
After lining your stomach and carrier bags, explore Trinidad’s numerous historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The former includes Fort George, a series of complex 18th century military fortifications overlooking the stunning Gulf of Paria, whilst the latter is headlined by
the colourful Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
Known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”, expect high-energy parties and premier cultural competitions at this exuberant festival, which showcases the island’s heritage.
Trinidad’s biodiversity and natural beauty should also be celebrated in equal measure. Encounter the island’s intriguing flora, fauna, and geological wonders, and discover beautiful beaches such as the popular Maracas Bay, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of palmfringed sands and energetic waves.
DEANE ANDERTON
Industry Insights
TOURISM TRINIDAD
Outlook Travel (OT): In what ways has Tourism Trinidad developed and marketed Trinidad’s tourism offerings in the last couple of years?
Cliff Hamilton, Chairman (CH):
Tourism Trinidad has taken significant steps in creating, building, and promoting authentic festivals and special events that reflect the vibrant culture and diversity of our island. Over the past few years, we have focused on positioning Trinidad as the go-to destination for unique and immersive festival experiences.
Our efforts have centred around authentic events that showcase Trinidad’s unmatched creativity and heritage. This includes our support of the World Steelpan Festival, which was launched by our parent ministry, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and celebrates the island’s iconic steelpan music, an art form that originated here and continues to inspire musicians globally. The festival not only highlights Trinidad’s musical ingenuity, but also draws international performers and pan lovers.
We’ve placed strong emphasis on our festive season festivals, designed to capture the
spirit of our diverse communities from Divali to Christmas, as these two holidays are in fact the festivals of light. Tourism Trinidad has and will continue to partner with community groups to create and promote events around this theme that bring together traditional customs, local artisans, and culinary experiences, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the warmth and generosity that define Trinidadian culture during our festive season.
The culinary delights of the island’s rich and diverse food culture reflect our multicultural influences, from street food to fine dining. Visitors are invited to experience the flavours of Trinidad in our famous doubles, bake and shark and other fusion dishes, cementing our reputation as a culinary hotspot in the region.
Through these planned festivals,
authenticity and creativity that make the island so unique. As a result, we’ve seen a growing international interest in our festivals, and we will continue to evolve and expand these offerings to maintain Trinidad’s position as a premier cultural destination.
OT: What new travel and tourism trends have emerged in Trinidad in that time?
CH: In recent years, one of the most exciting trends in Trinidad’s tourism sector has been the rise of community-based tourism. This shift reflects a growing demand among travellers for authentic, immersive experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures on a deeper level. Visitors today are seeking more than just traditional sightseeing — they want to engage directly with the communities they visit, and Trinidad has been perfectly positioned to cater to this trend. Community-based tourism across the island has flourished as travellers increasingly desire to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and interact with locals in meaningful ways. This has been
seen in the uptake of bookings for accommodation and tour experiences in smaller villages as compared to the city. Visitors enjoy interacting and learning about our unique way of life from the very people who live it. Additionally, eco-tourism has blended seamlessly with communitybased tourism, with initiatives in rural areas like Brasso Seco, Grande Riviere, and Paramin, where visitors can explore rainforests, learn about sustainable farming practices, and participate in events and activities that are coined within these smaller communities. Festivals, village tours, and traditional craft workshops led by local artisans provide authentic encounters that honour our history and diverse cultural make-up. These experiences are not just about appreciating nature but also about supporting and empowering the communities that protect and conserve these natural treasures. Overall, this move towards community-based tourism is transforming Trinidad’s travel landscape. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this form of tourism not only brings visitors closer to our people and culture, but also creates economic opportunities for local communities, promoting
sustainability and enriching the overall visitor experience.
OT: Has Tourism Trinidad continued to create a strong and consistent brand image for the island to increase recognition and visitation?
CH: At Tourism Trinidad, we have been developing a strong, cohesive brand that reflects the dynamic and diverse offerings of the island. Through the #VisitTrinidad marketing brand and our ‘Always in Season’ signature slogan, we have created a consistent image that speaks to both the local and international market.
The #VisitTrinidad brand has been designed to capture the essence of what makes Trinidad unique. It highlights the island as a destination filled with adventure, rich culture, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking natural beauty. The hashtag itself has become a powerful digital tool, helping to create a community of travellers, influencers, and locals who share their authentic experiences of the island online.
Our slogan, ‘Always in Season,’ has been a cornerstone of our branding efforts. This slogan communicates that Trinidad is a year-round destination, where visitors can
experience something new and exciting every time they come. It’s an invitation to explore the island’s everchanging landscape of activities and experiences. To further reinforce this brand, we’ve aligned our marketing initiatives to the ‘Always in Season’ message, ensuring consistency across every communication channel. This unified approach has helped us stand out in a competitive market and has boosted destination recognition.
We’ve also expanded our partnerships with global media outlets, travel influencers, and tourism networks to increase visibility for the #VisitTrinidad brand. By leveraging these partnerships, we’ve been able to showcase the island’s unique attractions by hosting various media familiarisation trips with journalists and travel planners, who then share their experiences with a wider global audience.
Additionally, we’ve also been developing sports tourism that has become a major draw for international visitors. In particular, cricket holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and fans worldwide. Hosting international cricket matches, from Test series to T20 tournaments, at world-class venues like the Brian Lara Cricket Academy has enhanced
Maracas Bay
our visibility on the global sporting stage. These events not only attract cricket enthusiasts but also create opportunities for travellers to explore our culture, food, and other attractions.
By continuing to strengthen our cultural and sports tourism offerings and aligning them with a consistent and appealing brand identity, Tourism Trinidad ensures that visitors are aware of everything the island has to offer. Moving forward, we’ll continue to evolve the brand while promoting Trinidad as a place of endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences.
OT: What makes 2024 the year to visit Trinidad?
CH: 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for Trinidad, particularly as we celebrate the global recognition of the steelpan—our national instrument and a symbol of Trinidadian creativity and innovation. This year marks significant milestones in the steelpan’s journey, making it the perfect time for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and festivities surrounding this uniquely Trinidadian art form.
stage. This recognition underscores the steelpan’s importance not only to Trinidad and Tobago but to global culture, making it a momentous time to visit the birthplace of this revolutionary instrument.
Beyond the steelpan, visitors in 2024 can enjoy the island’s yearround events and festivals, from our renowned culinary experiences to the festive season celebrations. But it is the celebration of the steelpan—its music, history, and its future—that truly sets this year apart.
OT: What is your personal favourite landmark or attraction in Trinidad?
One of the most anticipated events for the year was the World Steelpan Festival, a grand celebration that brought together the finest steelpan enthusiasts from across the globe and the most amazing steel bands from Trinidad to perform in a spectacular showcase of talent. This festival not only highlighted the incredible musical diversity within the steelpan world, but also offered visitors a chance to experience the instrument’s powerful cultural resonance firsthand. From live performances to workshops and exhibitions, the steelpan did in fact take centre stage, reflecting its enduring influence on global music. 2024 is also significant because the steelpan has been gaining global recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, further solidifying its place on the world
CH: My personal favourite attraction in Trinidad is the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. It’s a place where nature’s beauty and serenity come together in the most peaceful and relaxing way. Nestled in the Caroni Swamp, this sanctuary is not just a haven for wildlife, but also one of Trinidad’s most iconic ecotourism destinations.
What makes the Caroni Bird Sanctuary so special is the chance to witness the Scarlet Ibis, our national bird, in its natural habitat. There’s nothing quite like the experience of sailing silently through the mangrove waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and the calls of countless birds. The real magic happens at dusk, when thousands of Scarlet Ibis
Mayaro Beach
PHOTO
Yerettê – Home of the Hummingbird
return to roost. Seeing these brilliant red birds fill the sky as they come home for the evening is a unique and authentic experience and one of those moments that stay with you long after you leave.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to experience the more tranquil side of Trinidad, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit.
OT: Is responsible travel and sustainability still the future of tourism on the island?
CH: According to UN Tourism, the tourism sector must be fully aware of “its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” It is crucial that destinations adopt and implement policies, practices, and initiatives that align with responsible and sustainable travel. This ensures positive impacts are achieved while minimising the potential negative effects of tourism.
Tourism Trinidad is no different. We actively encourage and support stakeholder activities and projects that prioritise sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel. With increasing threats to our environmental resources, sociocultural authenticity, and the longevity of economic operations, we are taking a more purposeful, strategic, and targeted approach to responsible tourism on the island. As facilitators of destination development, we are fully committed to ongoing work in this critical area.
Several stakeholders have already
stepped forward to lead the way in engaging in sustainable practices.
For instance, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) plays a pivotal role in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its sustainable development programmes.
Another notable example is HADCO Experiences, which manages key ecotourism sites such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel. Both are deeply committed to environmental conservation and promoting sustainable tourism. These efforts reflect our collective responsibility to ensure that tourism development in Trinidad protects our natural environment, preserves cultural heritage, and sustains local economies for generations to come. We remain focused on making responsible travel the cornerstone of our tourism industry’s future.
OT: How do you see the Trinidad tourism industry developing in the rest of 2024 and beyond?
CH: As we look towards the future, the continued development of the island’s tourism industry will be driven by our focus on expanding our festivals and special event offerings, alongside the growth of sports tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). One of our core strategies is to build on Trinidad’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse by creating and promoting even more authentic festivals and event experiences that capture the energy and diversity of the island. Beyond our signature events like the World Steelpan
Festival, we are developing new festivals that showcase the best of Trinidad in areas like fashion, culinary arts, and music. These events will not only highlight the local talent but also attract international participation, further boosting visitor arrivals.
We also see great potential in sports tourism. Trinidad has a rich sporting history, particularly in cricket, football, and athletics. In the coming years, we hope to host more international sporting events and tournaments. These events will attract athletes, teams, and spectators from all over the world, providing a significant boost to our tourism sector.
In parallel, MICE tourism will play a crucial role in the industry’s development. The island is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for business tourism, thanks to our strategic location, modern facilities, and diverse cultural offerings. We are committed to enhancing our MICE offerings by upgrading conference centres, hotels, and event spaces to meet the needs of international business travellers. Our goal is to position Trinidad as the preferred hub for regional and international conferences, exhibitions, and incentive trips.
The future of Trinidad’s tourism industry is bright. By continuing to innovate and invest in our festivals, sports tourism, and MICE offerings, we are confident that we will attract a new wave of visitors who are looking for more than just a vacation—they’re seeking an authentic, immersive experience that only Trinidad can provide.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
The “Greatest Show on Earth” is renowned for its vibrancy as the world’s most authentic carnival celebration.
exuberant festival showcases Trinidad’s rich cultural heritage, with the grand street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday being a particular
Carnival Monday kicks off with J’ouvert, as participants covered in paint, mud, and oil dance through the streets to the pulsating rhythm of calypso, soca, and steel pan music.
Translating from French as “break of day”, J’ouvert symbolises the official start of the Carnival festivities and stands as a reminder of Trinidadians’ resilience and creativity, with communities coming together to celebrate their
heritage and revel in the joy of life.
After J’ouvert and throughout the two-day parade, the streets are a cacophony of colour and noise, flooded with the exhilarating sound of soca music and thousands of dancing masqueraders whose elaborate costumes are embellished with feathers, beads, and sequins, often depicting various themes.
With mas bands competing for prizes and bragging rights, this is the apex of the Carnival experience and the only place to experience the festival in its purest, most vibrant form.
Numerous other cultural events precede the parade, including fêtes, stick fighting, a variety of competitions, and even a reenactment of the Canboulay riots, a series of 19th century disturbances that took place on the island in response to efforts by colonial police to restrict aspects of the annual festival.
Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Transport Service Association (TTTTSA) is a fullservice transportation company founded in 1981. Its main focus and objective is to provide an excellent, efficient, reliable, and professional service. We also provide quality adventure and sightseeing tour packages to recreational and business travellers. Our services and products include transportation for pre-arranged tours, custom packages, airport transfers, and shopping tours. TTTTSA only use knowledgeable driver guides and tour guides who are trained and certified. The value added to TTTTSA’s offer is our knowledge and expertise, competitive rates, and a special focus on adventures and sightseeing tours, which translates into increased customer satisfaction.
We are a membership association comprising sedan taxis, minivans, small coaches (10-14 seats), and large coaches (1524 seats). All TTTTSA vehicles are equipped with air conditioning.
All our drivers are trained in customer service and guest relations, self-awareness and self-esteem, delivering service quality excellence, effective communication skills and history, geography, culture, tour guiding, flora and fauna, environmental awareness, and defensive driving.
For TTTTSA, Trinidad can be described as the most dynamic and lively Caribbean Island, with lots of sightseeing and energetic activities available to international travellers. Tobago can be described as romantic,
Office: (868) 717-4419 | (868) 623-4419
serene, peaceful, untouched, and relaxing, with clear water and white sandy beaches. Our culture is as diverse as the many ethnic groups that make up Trinidad and Tobago’s colourful society. It manifests in many ways, including festivals, religions, theatre, dance, music, food, sports, and much more.
Our flagship festival – Carnival – is by far the greatest show on earth. This is an explosion of energy, creativity, and sensuality with steel band music, calypso music, parties, and ornate costumes that invoke the carnival spirit of fantasy, freedom, and fun.
Trinidad and Tobago is also a bird watcher’s paradise. In fact, Trinidad and Tobago has more birds per capita than anywhere else, whether in the Caribbean or South America.
An added incentive to TTTTSA is that our drivers are safe, punctual, and courteous.
We invite you to visit our destination and use our services where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a most memorable experience in any of our vehicles, be it four, seven, 10, 14, 20, or 25-seaters.
Luggage vehicles can be provided where needed. We also offer 24/7 airport transfers, group transfers for special functions, events, weddings, funerals, meetings and conferences,customised requests and turtle-watching trips, and visits to Tobago (by request).
TTTTSA has proudly been providing reliable and efficient transport services for over 30 years.
Email: ttttsa@gmail.com | touristtransport1@flowtrinidad.com
After 3pm: (868) 683-7934 | Email: juwinhon@gmail.com www.ttttsa.com | www.trinidad-tobago-tourist-transport-service-association.com
RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR A TRADITIONAL TRINIDADIAN DISH…
No visit to Maracas Bay is complete without a trip to a bake and shark vendor. A traditional street food dish, bake and shark is prepared using fried flatbread and shark meat. Enjoy this flavoursome Trinidadian delicacy at Richard’s Bake & Shark, which is situated on one of the country’s most popular beaches.
Do:
FOR TRANSPORT SERVICES…
The Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Transport Services Association (TTTTSA) provides transfers throughout the island from Piarco International Airport (POS) and Port of Spain, ensuring you reach your destination. Transport options include taxis and minibuses, all of which are air conditioned, whilst group transfers can be arranged for large gatherings such as weddings.
FOR PASSENGER HANDLING… Carvalho’s Agencies
FOR NUMISMATIC HISTORY… Central Bank Museum
Sleep:
FOR A CONTEMPORARY WATERFRONT STAY…
Experience lively downtown Port of Spain when you check into Hyatt Regency Trinidad, located just 40 minutes from POS. With sophisticated open-air dining, an infinity pool, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Paria, this is where waterfront leisure meets authentic Caribbean hospitality.
The Central Bank Auditorium and the Central Bank Museum are your gateways to the arts in the capital city of Port of Spain.
Located in the Central Bank tower on Independence Square, these two cultural hubs are a major part of the Bank’s outreach initiatives, and demonstrate a longstanding commitment to local culture.
The Auditorium, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is a top choice for performing
artists to showcase local content in an intimate setting. The modern design of the Museum enhances the interactive displays of the history of money and our currency. The Museum also hosts exhibitions featuring local artists, including those in the Bank’s outstanding fine art collection.
Tel: 1 868 621-2288 | Email: museum@central-bank.org.tt (Museum) | www.centralbankarts.org.tt 1 868 235 2288 | jkerr@central-bank.org.tt (Auditorium)
Landmark Attractions
Fort George
This 19th century fortification was originally built to protect Port of Spain from any perceived military threats. An intricate wooden signal station sharply contrasts with the formidable characteristics of the fort, which continues to offer visitors spectacular panoramas of the Trinidadian capital as well as views of its original cannons, dungeons, and artefacts.
Gasparee Caves
An intricate limestone cave system, the Gasparee Caves are located on Gaspar Grande, an island off the northwest coast of Trinidad. The caves are lined with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, whilst some limestone formations have taken the shape of dinosaurs and other creatures. Its deep blue grotto waters glisten invitingly courtesy of a hole at the top of the cave, through which the Trinidadian sunshine streams.
Hanuman Statue
An impressive 85-foot statue of the half-human, half-monkey Hindu god, Hanuman, towers over the village of Carapichaima. Consecrated in 2003 and built according to the Dravidian style of architecture, it is the largest Hanuman murti outside of India and a reminder to all devotees that they should grow in height spiritually.
Getting There and Around
Despite being the only airport on the island of Trinidad, POS is one of the busiest in the region.
THE AIRPORT DIRECTLY serves North America, South America, and Europe, and is an important transit hub for the Southern Caribbean and the primary connection point for many passengers travelling from Guyana. POS is the main operating base for Caribbean Airlines, who also offer daily flights between Trinidad and Tobago in just 24 minutes, whilst other major carriers such as American Airlines, British Airways, JetBlue, KLM, United Airlines, and more are also available.
before visiting, especially during the busy Christmas and Carnival seasons.
For vacationers travelling between Trinidad and Tobago, inter-island ferry services are a popular choice, with the 20-mile journey taking around three hours to complete.
Cruise ships, meanwhile, call at Port of Spain, with a variety of onshore activities and tours to be enjoyed in the capital and beyond. Passengers are advised to book with registered tour operators and guides for the best cruise experience.
Once you have arrived at the airport, authorised taxis can take you to your destination, as well as mini and large buses provided by TTTTSA.
For getting around the island, we recommend reserving a rental vehicle
Between the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando, a daily water taxi service along Trinidad’s west coast provides an alternative mode of transportation for getting from one end of the island to the other.
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