TOURISM Trinidad Ltd chairman Cliff Hamilton has come under fire for declaring Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector has a bright future, when in reality there are many pressing issues that remain unaddressed.
Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA) president Lorraine Pouchet told the Express the association felt compelled to respond to both Hamilton and Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell, who sought to paint a rosy picture of T&T’s tourism industry when in reality the industry is stagnant.
“There is growing frustration with the stagnant state of Trinidad’s tourism industry, marked by repeated promises and minimal results. Many observers have pointed out that despite decades of rhetoric, the same issues persist,” Pouchet stated in a release.
Also in the firing line was Mitchell, as Pouchet quipped that perhaps he should travel outside of T&T to gain a better understanding of how tourism operates in other countries.
She noted that the Express Business magazine reported that Hamilton told Outlook Travel Magazine about this country’s bright future in tourism and what T&T had to offer.
Pouchet noted while the article highlighted potential opportunities for growth in Trinidad’s tourism industry, the reality is that achieving sustainable growth requires much more than marketing campaigns or isolated high-profile events.
She said addressing critical issues such as public-private partnerships, crime, inadequate facilities, and a genuine commitment from leadership is essential.
“Without this, the tourism industry will continue to face significant challenges in realising its full potential. Sustainable tourism requires vision, hard work, and, most importantly, action—something that needs to be prioritised by those in positions of power,” she said.
Pouchet said tourist safety remains a critical issue, particularly in areas with higher crime rates. While cultural experiences can attract visitors, safety concerns could significantly deter them, she said.
“A successful tourism strategy must address the ongoing issues of crime, littering, and inadequate facilities, which currently hinder the industry’s growth. Without tackling these core issues, no marketing efforts or cultural promotions can truly offset the risks tourists face. Government initiatives need to align with solving these foundational problems for a viable tourism sector,” she said. She pointed out that Hamilton spoke to T&T’s “unique” cultural experiences, but the notion that Trinidad stands alone as a cultural destination may be overly optimistic.
“What is required is a focus on how Trinidad can differentiate itself from other destinations, ensuring that its cultural tourism is properly developed, promoted, and carefully managed.
“Additionally, ensuring the safety of travellers in high-crime areas where these experiences take place must be a top priority,” she said.
Pouchet noted the state of guest facilities near the Gasparee Caves exemplifies broader infrastructure issues. “The substandard conditions at such a significant tourist site point to a lack of attention to detail and proper planning. It raises questions about how contracts for repairs and renovations are awarded, and highlights the need for greater oversight and a more comprehensive vision in the tourism sector,” she said.
She said the absence of uniform standards in key areas such as hospitality, infrastructure and visitor safety is hindering the overall development of tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.
“These gaps in service and operational standards not only affect the quality of the tourism experience, but also impact the country’s ability to meet international expectations. Without proper accreditation and clear quality guidelines, both local and international tourists may encounter inconsistent service, which affects the country’s reputation as a tourism destination,” she said.
Pouchet said collaboration between the Government and private sector providers of tourism products is critical to achieving sustainable growth in the industry.
However, there is a perceived lack of effective communication and partnership between Government bodies responsible for tourism and these key stakeholders, she said.
She said efforts to build stronger public-private partnerships should be prioritised, and the private sector must be given a seat at the table when discussing tourism policies and strategies to ensure alignment and long-term success.
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