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

Monday 8th January, Scarborough: The Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and
Transportation strongly condemns the misleading media release circulated by the People’s
National Movement Tobago Council titled “Questions for the Chief Secretary and Secretary for
Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation.” This mischievous release is not based on facts and does not accurately represent the work of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, a special purpose company under the Division.

The content of the missive, irresponsibly seeks to malign the reputation and work of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited. Further, it seeks to perpetuate a malicious and untrue narrative of the management of the tourism sector.

The Agency, since its inception, in 2017, has the responsibility for areas including destination
marketing, product development, destination management, and research. To date, work continues in these areas with the Agency recording many positives.

Regarding the former Chairman, Ms. Alicia Edwards, she tendered her resignation with immediate effect on Tuesday 2nd January 2024, for reasons personal to her. The insinuation, therefore, that this was follow-up action is misleading. It should be noted categorically, that the former Chairman was not asked or forced to resign.

It is also noted that the missive has placed into the public domain that the reputation of the
destination is at an “all-time low.” It must be noted, however, that the Agency continues to have good relations in both the United Kingdom and German markets through the destination representatives. Specific to the German market, the representative, who began working with the
Agency in 2018, has indicated continued interest in working for the destination. Additionally,
airlift negotiations remain on schedule.

Flights also continue to arrive from both the UK and Germany on a weekly basis. From 2022 to
2023 through our partnership with Condor Airlines, passenger arrivals have, in fact, increased
significantly as the destination, and by extension, the airline industry continues to rebound.
The accusations of overspending and redistribution of funding are also moot. As with all
government agencies, shortfalls in allocation are a reality and are always navigated and managed through reprioritization of spending. To date, the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Programme continues, as it has, since the management of the programme was moved to the Agency in 2018.

While the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant initiative, which was specific to business
recovery during and post the pandemic, was also successfully implemented.
Since the inception of the Agency, each successive board has sought to make their impact, and the Tobago Tourism Agency remains resolute in its mandate. The current board is made up of a number of well qualified and experienced persons from across the sector, and their work has
significantly contributed to advancing the Agency and enhancing Tobago’s standing as a premier destination.

In both 2022 and 2023, the destination received global recognition at the Wanderlust Readers
Travel Award during the World Travel Market (WTM), the world’s most influential travel trade
event. While, on the ground, stakeholders have been feeling the positive impact in a myriad of
ways. In the dive sector, for example, prior to the Covid pandemic, there was a decrease in dive
shops on the island. However, through the work of the board and the Agency we have seen an
increase in the number of dive shops which is a testament to the support that has been given in
order for that sub-sector to chart a course to robust recovery.

The aforementioned are only a snippet of the wins in the sector in the past two years and the
Division and the Tobago Tourism Agency seeks the support of every citizen to become a
destination ambassador and champion of the progress made, thus far, by all hardworking
stakeholders. This sector remains ours to build; for us first, and 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