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BirdsCaribbean 2026 Takes Flight in Trinidad and Tobago

More than 300 birding enthusiasts, conservationists, researchers, and nature lovers from around the world have gathered in Trinidad and Tobago for the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference, themed “Birds, People, Prosperity.”

For the next five days, delegates will explore our islands’ incredible biodiversity while sharing knowledge and experiences that highlight the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism.

With more than 500 recorded bird species, Trinidad and Tobago stands among the Caribbean’s premier birding destinations, offering unforgettable encounters across our forests, wetlands, and natural landscapes.

Tourism Trinidad Limited is proud to welcome BirdsCaribbean 2026 and showcase the beauty, biodiversity, and ecotourism experiences that make our destination truly unique.

New TTL Board Sworn In, Vows to Elevate Visit Trinbago Brand Globally

The Board of Directors of Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) today received their instruments of appointment from the Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Senator Satyakama Maharaj.

The Board has been charged with leading TTL’s strategic direction and driving the continued growth and global positioning of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector.

Chairman Benedict Hatem said he and his fellow board members are committed to strengthening the Visit Trinbago brand, ensuring it resonates as a beacon of excellence and authenticity across the globe.

Joining Mr. Hatem on the Board are Mr. Rennie Mohammed, Mr. Swamy Morgan, Ms. Indira Rambaran, Mr. Michael Salickram, Mr. Orlando Octave, Ms. Pramilla Ramdahani, Mr. Rene Seepersadsingh, Ms. Kalene Garcia-Gosyne, Ms. Andrea Bhagwandeen and Mr. Vedanand Hargobin.

#VisitTrinbago

Meet the Scarlet Ibis: Trinidad & Tobago’s national bird and a symbol of our rich natural heritage.

Every evening, the flight of these birds over the Caroni Swamp creates one of the great wildlife spectacles of the Americas.

It is the perfect backdrop for what’s to come: This July, Trinidad & Tobago will host over 300 of the region’s leading conservation scientists, researchers, and policymakers for the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference.

We welcome delegates to our shores to collaborate on sustainable solutions for Caribbean biodiversity under this year’s theme: “Birds, People, Prosperity.”

🗓️ Dates: July 23-27, 2026
🏨 Venue: Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Trinidad to Host Caribbean’s Greatest Night of Dance at Plié Amalgamation Gala

Trinidad and Tobago is set to host what is being billed as the Caribbean’s “greatest night of dance” with the launch of the Plié for the Arts Foundation Amalgamation Gala.
 
Announced on Thursday at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, the event will open in Trinidad on August 23, marking the first stop of a three-country tour that also includes Barbados and Jamaica. The launch brought together Minister of Trade Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj, Patron Wendy Fitzwilliam, and Founder Marisa Benain.
 
Speaking at the launch, Minister Maharaj underscored the broader value of cultural investment, noting that when culture is strengthened, people are strengthened alongside it. Dancers from Trinidad and Tobago, the wider region, and internationally are now preparing to take the stage for the Amalgamation Tour, which places Trinidad at the centre of this regional celebration of dance. #entertainmentourism #visittrinbago

High-Stakes Flavor: Flame & Spirit 2026 Crowns T&T’s Culinary Champions

The Flame & Spirit 2026 competition just pushed Trinidad & Tobago’s food scene to the absolute limit. From three-hour dessert marathons featuring baigan choka sponge to high-pressure mystery baskets, local chefs and bartenders completely rewrote the culinary rulebook.

Meet Your 2026 Champions

  • Chef of the Year: Nathanael Gebode (Oh My Eats) – Crushed the mystery basket with a masterclass of spiced crusted chicken, fish and shrimp salsa, and roasted pumpkin puree.
  • Pastry Chef of the Year: Keenan Lezama (Chronicles of a Pastry Chef) – Shook the room with an audacious curry cream cheese mousse and baigan choka sponge.
  • Junior Chef of the Year: Alejandro Mayers (Amara Restaurant) – Wowed judges with Geera spiced chicken, Scotch bonnet crusted shrimp, and cassava croquettes.
  • Bartender of the Year: Ronaldo Auguste (Epic Sports Bar) – Swept the floor, taking the top title and winning Best Non-Alcoholic Drink for his signature cocktail, Sun Kissed.

Next Stop: Taste of the Caribbean

These four champions are officially uniting as the National Culinary Team of Trinidad and Tobago to compete at the prestigious regional showcase in Barbados this November. They will be guided by Team Coach Chef Jeremy Lovell and Team Manager Michelle Young.

Taste the Menu Early: The team will be hosting public practice dinners soon. It’s your chance to eat the competition menu firsthand and give direct feedback before they fly out.

Stay tuned for official date announcements! For more details or booking inquiries, contact the Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TIATT) at tiattsecretariat@gmail.com.

New Hampton Inn Piarco Set to Boost Tourism and Jobs

Our Investment and Business Development team recently visited the construction site for the upcoming Hampton Inn in Piarco.

We met with the project principals, contractors, managers, and engineers to check in on the progress of this 103-room property.

The project represents a TT$125 million investment in our local tourism infrastructure and is on track to open in the second quarter of 2027. Once fully operational, the hotel will bring 80 to 100 permanent jobs to the area.

Youth Creativity Supports Conservation: Winners of the “Name the Mommy Turtle” Competition Awarded

The winners of the Tourism Trinidad Limited “Name the Mommy Turtle” Competition received their prizes today as part of Sea Turtle Awareness Month activities.
 
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, the competition challenged students to name a featured nesting turtle. The initiative aimed to foster creativity among youth while promoting the importance of sea turtle conservation.
 
The winners are:
• 1st Place: Pavana Gangapersad – St. Paul’s Hardbargain R.C. School (Winning Name: KAWI)
• 2nd Place: Ruqayya Muhammed – Balmain Presbyterian School (Winning Name: KAIRYPSO)
• 3rd Place: Javier Grainger – St. Patrick’s Newtown Boys’ R.C. School (Winning Name: CALYPSEA)
 
Prizes were presented by Dr. Colin Gosine, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Dr. Gosine acknowledged the winners for their participation and their role in highlighting environmental awareness.
 
Tourism Trinidad Limited congratulates the winners and thanks all participating students for supporting the protection of Trinidad and Tobago’s sea turtles.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the Flame & Spirit National Food and Beverage Competition

The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism and Tourism Trinidad Limited are proud to support the Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TIATT) Flame & Spirit National Food and Beverage Competition, a premier event that celebrates excellence, creativity, and innovation across the culinary and beverage arts, including Junior Chefs, Senior Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Bartenders (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic).

Aligned with our strategic mandate, this initiative continues to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism product while showcasing the exceptional talent, creativity, and authentic flavours that define and elevate our destination’s global appeal.

We were also honoured by the attendance of Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, whose presence reflects the Ministry’s strong commitment to advancing culinary tourism and supporting the continued growth, professionalisation, and development of the sector.

Helping tourism businesses build stronger, more market-ready experiences

Today, tourism stakeholders are participating in our Tourism Product Packaging and Pricing Workshop at COSTAATT City Campus, where they are gaining practical knowledge on how to design, package and price their products for success.
 
Facilitated by industry experts Kathryn McConie and Marcus Baptiste, the workshop explores key areas including visitor experience design, costing fundamentals and strategic pricing. These skills are essential to ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism offerings remain competitive, attractive and sustainable in both the local and international marketplace.

Tourism Trinidad Supports 12th Annual Indian Arrival Day Celebration

The story of Trinidad is told through the many cultures, traditions and communities that have shaped our nation. The 12th Annual Indian Arrival Day Celebration in Ste. Madeleine was a reminder of the enduring legacy and contributions of the Indian community to Trinidad and Tobago’s development and cultural identity.

The programme featured a re-enactment of the arrival of the indentured labourers, tassa, cultural performances and a Curry Duck Competition, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on history while celebrating traditions that continue to be passed from one generation to the next.

Tourism Trinidad Limited was pleased to partner with the Corinth/Cedar Hill Coordinating Committee in support of this community event. Through initiatives such as these, we continue to promote the diverse cultural experiences that contribute to Destination Trinbago’s appeal and help preserve the stories, traditions and heritage that define our people.