Blog Archives

rinidad and Tobago will welcome over 300 global conservationists and ecotourism leaders this July for the BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference at the Hyatt Regency.

Returning to our shores for the first time since 2003, the five-day biennial event highlights T&T’s status as a global birding powerhouse. With 499 recorded species—the highest richness per square kilometer in the Caribbean—the islands are a primary target for the booming global avitourism market, projected to reach US$95.2 billion by 2030.

Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, noted that the conference aligns with national goals for economic diversification. “Birdwatchers are among our highest-value visitors,” he stated, noting their average daily spend of up to US$850, which directly benefits local guides and communities.

Beyond the economic impact, the summit will address urgent regional conservation, including protections for the Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan. The event will feature extensive field trips to premier birding sites across both islands.

Read the full story and register at birdscaribbeanconference.org.

The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Marine Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MSATT), is pleased to announce that the new Port Health Office located at the Crew’s Inn Compound, Chaguaramas, is now officially open and operational.

This new facility has been established to provide efficient and accessible Port Health Clearance services to the maritime sector, supporting both local and international vessel operators. Its strategic location within a key yachting and marine services hub ensures improved turnaround times and enhanced service delivery for incoming vessels.

The opening of the Port Health Office forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a premier maritime and yachting destination in the region, while ensuring that all health and safety protocols are effectively maintained.

The office operates daily, including public holidays, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to contact the relevant offices directly.

On April 15, 2026, Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) signed a contract with Crews Inn Limited to participate in the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP).

Crews Inn, a 46-room property located in Chaguaramas, will undertake a series of planned guestroom upgrades over the next three months. These improvements are intended to enhance the overall quality of the accommodation offering and strengthen the visitor experience.

The TAUP initiative forms part of TTL’s ongoing efforts to support the development and competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector by assisting accommodation providers in meeting evolving industry standards.

Tourism Trinidad Limited has officially launched a specialised training programme under the Tourism Industry Entrepreneurial Strengthening (TIES) Project at CTS College in Chaguanas. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of local tourism stakeholders and advancing the development of a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector.

The current cohort brings together 20 participants representing key areas of the tourism industry. The training focuses on Event Logistics and Risk Management, equipping stakeholders with the practical knowledge and tools required to effectively plan, manage, and execute festivals and events with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and professionalism.

This initiative is particularly targeted at supporting small and micro tourism enterprises, ensuring they are better positioned to deliver high-quality experiences that meet the expectations of both local and international visitors. By enhancing operational standards across the sector, the programme contributes directly to improving Trinidad and Tobago’s overall tourism product.

The course is facilitated by Ms. Leslie Ann Wills-Caton and comprises nine modules delivered over 21 contact hours. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification from CTS College, further reinforcing the professionalisation of the industry.

Tourism Trinidad Limited remains committed to investing in human capital and building a resilient tourism sector through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives under the TIES Project.

The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, in collaboration with Tourism Trinidad Limited, is inviting children across Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the “Name the Mommy Turtle” Competition.

This initiative celebrates the arrival of a majestic Leatherback turtle that recently came ashore at Maracas Beach, marking the start of the nesting season. Children ages 11 and under are encouraged to take part by submitting a creative and meaningful name for this special visitor.

How to Enter

Participants are required to:

• Submit a proposed name for the Mommy Leatherback Turtle
• Provide a brief explanation (maximum 50 words) for their choice

Entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian via email to info@visittrinidad.co.tt, and should include the child’s name, age, and contact information.

Judging Criteria

All submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Creativity
• Originality
• Connection to the sea or Trinidad and Tobago

Prizes

• 1st Prize: Special Nature Prize Pack
• 2nd & 3rd Place: Additional prizes

Important Dates

• Submission Period: April 8 – April 24, 2026
• Winners Announced: April 30, 2026

This competition offers a fun and educational opportunity for young citizens to engage with Trinidad and Tobago’s rich biodiversity while celebrating the significance of the Leatherback turtle during the nesting season.

For more information, please contact info@visittrinidad.co.tt.

Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), through its Destination Development Department, hosted a training session for cruise transportation operators on Tuesday 31 March 2026 at the Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain.

The session brought together approximately 85 participants and featured opening remarks from Tourism Development Officer Ms. Shakila Medina and Tourism Technical Advisor Mr. Ryan D’Arcy.

Delivered virtually by the Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence in Canada, the training focused on strengthening service delivery across key areas, including destination knowledge, safety awareness, professional conduct, and customer service standards. Participants also engaged in interactive discussions and scenario-based exercises designed to reflect real-world experiences within the sector.

The session reinforced the important role of transportation operators as frontline representatives of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry, providing practical tools to enhance visitor interactions and overall service quality.

This initiative forms part of Tourism Trinidad Limited’s ongoing commitment to supporting a more professional, consistent, and visitor-focused tourism sector.

Tourism Trinidad Limited recently convened a high-level, private workshop designed to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors. The session focused on the continuous improvement of the national tourism industry through direct collaboration.

By bringing key hoteliers and private sector interests to the same table, the workshop provided a dedicated forum for discussions on industry standards and the shared strategies necessary to elevate the destination’s competitive edge.

A primary objective of this engagement was to ensure that frontline industry partners have a central role in the evolution of the tourism product. Facilitating this direct dialogue between hoteliers and private sector stakeholders allows for better alignment on infrastructure and service goals.

The focus remains on building a sustainable tourism ecosystem. When the private sector and tourism stakeholders operate with a unified vision, it results in a more seamless and high-quality experience for every visitor.

Tourism Trinidad Limited continues to serve as the lead facilitator for these essential connections, ensuring the future of the industry is built on a foundation of collaboration and mutual success.

Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) has expanded its Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP) with the addition of two local properties, reinforcing ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of accommodation across Trinidad.

On March 23, 2026, TTL executed contracts with Cara Hotels and Culture Crossroads Inn, both of which will undertake targeted upgrade works under the programme.

Over the coming months, the properties will implement improvements to key areas including guestrooms, roofing, and reception spaces. These upgrades are expected to improve operational standards and strengthen the overall guest experience.

The inclusion of these properties reflects continued interest in the TAUP initiative and underscores TTL’s commitment to supporting accommodation providers in delivering consistent, high-quality service to both local and international visitors.

Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTTI), has officially wrapped the 2025/2026 cruise season, delivering significant growth in visitor arrivals and a measurable boost to local economic activity.

From October 2025 to February 2026, Trinidad welcomed 23,961 cruise passengers across 14 calls, alongside 10,723 crew members. This marks a 36% increase in passenger arrivals compared to the previous season, signalling renewed momentum and confidence in the destination.

Stronger Engagement, More Experiences

Visitor participation in local tours also grew, with 6,521 passengers exploring curated experiences — a 17% increase year-on-year.

Cruise lines calling on Trinidad included major brands such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Swan Hellenic, reinforcing Trinidad’s position on key regional itineraries.

The season also saw five maiden calls, including vessels like SH Vega, Coral Princess, and Hebridean Sky, pointing to growing international interest.

Notably, Brilliance of the Seas facilitated 200 passenger embarkations, highlighting Trinidad’s emerging potential as a homeport destination.

Key Markets Driving Growth

The United States remained Trinidad’s largest source market, accounting for 66% of arrivals (15,865 passengers). This was followed by:

• Canada – 17%
• United Kingdom – 6%
• Germany – 4%
• Caribbean & other markets – 7% combined

This mix underscores Trinidad’s continued appeal among North American and European travellers.

Real Economic Impact: Supporting Local

Approximately 15,799 passengers disembarked to explore the island, with an average spend of USD $59 per visitor, generating an estimated USD $932,141 in onshore expenditure.

This directly supported local vendors, artisans, tour operators, and small businesses, strengthening the link between cruise tourism and opportunities to buy local.

Visitors engaged with Trinidad’s culture through:

• Handcrafted souvenirs and local fashion
• Authentic cuisine, including doubles and bake and shark
• Cultural performances featuring Moko Jumbies, tassa, steelpan, and parang

Top Visitor Experiences

Passengers took part in a range of immersive tours, including:

• City of Port of Spain and Maracas Beach excursions
• Caroni Bird Sanctuary tours
• Heritage and cultural experiences
• Nature-based adventures, including Paramin 4×4 tours and visits to the Asa Wright Nature Centre

Delivering a Strong Visitor Experience

The Cruise Information Team, supported by Visitor Ambassadors and enumerators, played a key role in enhancing the arrival experience — guiding visitors, promoting attractions, and encouraging deeper engagement with local businesses.

Minister: Growth Must Benefit Local Communities

Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Senator the Honourable Satyakama Maharaj, welcomed the strong performance:

“The 2025/2026 cruise season reflects the growing strength and appeal of Trinidad as a destination. Beyond the increase in arrivals, what is especially encouraging is the level of engagement with local businesses — from food vendors to artisans and tour operators. Cruise tourism continues to create meaningful opportunities for our people, and we remain committed to ensuring visitors not only experience what is local, but actively support what we produce.”

Looking Ahead

TTL and MTTI will continue working with stakeholders to expand local participation in the tourism value chain, strengthen partnerships with cruise lines, and ensure that more visitor spending stays within communities.

The focus remains clear: grow the sector, deepen the experience, and maximise benefits for Trinidad and its people.