TRINIDAD’S tourism industry has a bright future, chairman of Tourism Trinidad Ltd, Cliff Hamilton, has told Outlook Travel Magazine, a digital publication targeting business executives and avid travellers.
“The future of Trinidad’s tourism industry is bright. By continuing to innovate and invest in our festivals, sports tourism, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (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,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said one of the 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,” he stated.
“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,” Hamilton stated.
Hamilton said 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,” he stated.
Hamilton said that 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,” he stated.
“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,” he stated.
He said that 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 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,” he stated.
“Beyond the steelpan, visitors in 2024 can enjoy the island’s year-round 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,” Hamilton stated.
Rise of community-based tourism
Hamilton said 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,” he said,
“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,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said eco-tourism has seamlessly blended with community-based tourism through 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,” he stated.
“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,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said over the past few years, Tourism Trinidad has focused on positioning Trinidad as the go-to destination for unique and immersive festival experiences.
“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,” he said.
Hamilton said Tourism Trinidad has been developing a strong, cohesive brand that reflects the island’s dynamic and diverse offerings.
“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,” he said.
“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 ever changing 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,” Hamilton said.
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