Tourism : A Challenge for Addressing Poverty

San Salvador, El Salvador September 29, 30 2011

Overview of Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism

Goals and Objectives for Sustainable Tourism Development

Framework for Development: Policies and Plans

Implementation of Tourism Projects through Partnerships

Success Factors The Way Forward

Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island republic with a population of 1.4 million

Trinidad and Tobago is an emerging tourism destination and understands the importance of private-public sector partnerships for successful tourism development

One country; Two differentiated islands

Trinidad:1,864 sq. miles

Tobago: 120 sq. miles

Located at the southernmost end of the Caribbean, just off South America … 7 miles (11km) from Venezuela. Tobago lies 20 miles (30 km) to the northeast of Trinidad

Westminster-style parliamentary democracy

Diverse Population Mix -European, East Indian, African, Chinese and Amerindian influences

Official language is English with an initiative to encourage Spanish learning

Floating currency, pegged to the US dollar, currently trading at $6.40

Small, emerging tourist destination Trinidad – busy and exciting, Tobago-

green, clean and serene Tourism and Travel contributes 10.9% to

the national economy Projected tourism growth: 3 % to GDP for

the next 3 years Strong cultural diversity - people, culture,

food, music, festivals, heritage Home of Carnival, calypso, soca and

chutney Inventors of the steel pan Growing eco-destination – flora, fauna,

leatherback turtles

The National Tourism Policy supports a balanced approach for the development of communities’ natural and cultural assets through sustainable practices.

The Policy proposes a participatory and integrative approach to tourism planning and implementation with all stakeholders: local communities as well as private and public sector organizations

Use tourism as a vehicle for nation-building and an improved quality of life for all citizens through development of infrastructure, services, job creation, increased competitiveness and economic diversification.

Facilitate and encourage investment in tourism projects with a focus on small and medium enterprises in the sector

Our policies and plans have been developed through collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and community groups to ensure successful development and implementation of tourism projects

Establishment of the Standing Committee for the Sustainable Development of Tourism comprised of senior private and public sector individuals

The Ministry of Tourism has initiated several tourism projects which support the development and strengthening of local communities to achieve a more diversified range of tourism products to promote economic development and

Encourages adherence to tourism best practices and adoption of global environmental standards

The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with private and public sector organizations and community associations to develop eco, coastal and agro, sport , medical and cultural heritage tourism activities throughout communities in Trinidad and Tobago

These initiatives have improved the standard of living for the communities

Strengthened capacity for micro, small and medium enterprises

Utilized indigenous products and natural resources within communities

Created jobs in craft making, tour guiding and hospitality services

Increased socio-cultural development and sustained the protection of the environment

Strategic Partnerships have been established with both public and private sector organizations

Enhanced community leadership and engagement in decision making

Facilitation of entrepreneurship and local skills development for rural communities

Greater interaction and cooperation among communities

Ongoing dialogue and communication among tourism stakeholders

Continued collaboration with the private sector and community organizations to develop the attitudes and skills of local persons

Pursue opportunities that synergies and other benefits from regional integration and cooperation

Work towards regional projects to promote economic development