DoTCAT Media Release: Response to Media Release by the People’s National Movement Tobago Council

Scarborough, Tobago – January 8th, 2024 – The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation (DoTCAT) today strongly condemned a misleading media release circulated by the People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council. Titled “Questions for the Chief Secretary and Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation,” the Division asserted that the PNM’s missive lacked factual basis and inaccurately represented the work of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), a special purpose company under DoTCAT.

The Division stated that the content of the PNM’s release irresponsibly sought to malign the reputation and work of TTAL and to perpetuate a malicious and untrue narrative regarding the management of Tobago’s tourism sector.

TTAL, since its inception in 2017, holds responsibility for destination marketing, product development, destination management, and research. The Division affirmed that work continues diligently in these areas, with TTAL recording numerous positive achievements.

Regarding former Chairman Ms. Alicia Edwards, the Division clarified that she tendered her resignation with immediate effect on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, for personal reasons. Any insinuation that her resignation was a forced or follow-up action was deemed misleading, with the Division categorically stating that the former Chairman was neither asked nor forced to resign.

DoTCAT also addressed the PNM’s claim that the destination’s reputation is at an “all-time low.” It highlighted that TTAL continues to maintain strong relations in both the United Kingdom and German markets through its destination representatives. Specifically for the German market, the representative, who commenced work with the Agency in 2018, has indicated continued interest in promoting Tobago. Additionally, airlift negotiations remain on schedule, and flights continue to arrive weekly from both the UK and Germany.

The Division further noted that from 2022 to 2023, through its partnership with Condor Airlines, passenger arrivals have significantly increased as the destination and the airline industry continue to rebound.

Accusations of overspending and redistribution of funding were also dismissed as moot. DoTCAT explained that, as with all government agencies, shortfalls in allocation are a reality, consistently navigated and managed through reprioritization of spending. The Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Programme continues without interruption, as it has since its management was moved to TTAL in 2018. The Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant initiative, specifically designed for business recovery during and post-pandemic, was also successfully implemented.

Since its inception, each successive TTAL board has sought to make its impact, and the Agency remains resolute in its mandate. The current board comprises well-qualified and experienced individuals from across the sector, whose work has significantly contributed to advancing TTAL and enhancing Tobago’s standing as a premier destination.

In both 2022 and 2023, Tobago received global recognition at the Wanderlust Readers Travel Award during the World Travel Market (WTM), the world’s most influential travel trade event. On the ground, stakeholders have experienced positive impacts, such as an increase in the number of dive shops after a decline prior to the pandemic, a testament to the support provided for that sub-sector’s robust recovery.

These achievements are presented as a snippet of the wins in the sector over the past two years. The Division and the Tobago Tourism Agency urged the support of every citizen to become a destination ambassador and champion of the progress made, emphasizing that the sector remains Tobago’s to build, first for its people, and then for the world to enjoy.

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For further information, please contact:

The Communications Unit
Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation – THA
868-639-2125 ext. 2209, 2104