Tourism
From The Report: Trinidad & Tobago 2016
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As Trinidad and Tobago continues to feel the impact of lower energy receipts, the tourism sector is emerging as a strategic development priority. Elected in September 2015, the government of Keith Rowley is placing a renewed emphasis on economic diversification to help the TT$175.99bn ($27.1bn) economy weather the downturn in the global energy market. Tourism, along with agriculture and manufacturing, has been identified as strategic in that quest. Despite the recessionary environment, T&T saw an upsurge in visitor arrivals – which increased by 6.6% in 2015 to reach 439,749 visitors – highlighting the sector’s resilience. The US accounted for 39% of international arrivals, followed by Canada (13%), the UK (9%), Scandinavia (2%), Ger¬many, Austria and Switzerland (2%), India (1%), the Caribbean (18%) and the rest of the world (16%). To accelerate growth a number of efforts are under way to raise the profile of key tourist sites, improve service standards and develop human capital. 

This chapter features an interview with Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Island beauty: The sector will take centre stage as a thrust to diversify the economy intensifies
OBG
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As the government of Trinidad and Tobago continues to feel the impact of lower energy receipts following the sharp decline in hydrocarbons prices since mid-2014, the tourism sector is emerging as a strategic development priority. Elected in September 2015, the People’s National Movement government of Keith Rowley is placing a renewed emphasis on economic diversification to help the TT$175.99bn ($27.1bn) economy weather the downturn in the global energy market. Tourism, along with agriculture and…

Interview

A fresh start: OBG talks to Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism
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Interview:Shamfa Cudjoe Does the current tourism incentive framework encourage infrastructure development? SHAMFA CUDJOE: Investment in the Trinidad and Tobago tourism sector is regulated by the Tourism Development Act of 2000. The current incentives allow for import tax breaks when building and stocking a hotel or major tourist attraction, as well as tax and Customs duties exemptions on vehicles used for tourism purposes. Some elements of the act, however, no longer constitute an adequate…

Analysis

Developing assets: Efforts to improve infrastructure and services gain momentum
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In an effort to lay the foundations for sustainable long-term growth, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), along with its implementation agency, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), are working to enhance the appeal of key tourist sites across Trinidad and Tobago as well as implement measures to improve service delivery. Beach infrastructure improvement in particular remains central to efforts to ensure facilities meet international standards. Maracas Beach According to the country’s Public Sector…

Analysis

Set for review: The incentive framework plays a key role in attracting investment in strategic projects
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Incentives for investments in tourism projects are already in place under the Tourism Development Act (TDA) Chapter 87:22 of 2000, and an eminent review of existing incentives could see an even more robust incentive framework take shape for the tourism sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Incentives The TDA of 2000 sets forth a range of incentives to investors in the form of tax, Customs and excise duty exemptions for operators of various types of tourism projects deemed to have the potential to contribute…