With tourism in the news these days with the possibility of the Sandals chain of resorts coming to Tobago, local tourism tour operators are finetuning their product to woo more visitors to our twin-island state, as well as embolden T&T’s domestic tourism market.
The T&T Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA) has embarked on hosting its Experience T&T 2016, an initiative of its domestic tourism thrust. This project began in 2000 and over the years it has increased from the first year, which was attended by 100 participants, to more than 3,000 people going on tour last year.
Lorraine Pouchet, president of TTITOA, said this week: “We began doing these tours to create an awareness of our domestic tourism product; to educate the population; and to create an opportunity for our people to holiday at home, at an affordable price.
“These tours are fully packaged tours that include transport, guides, entrance fees to the sites and attractions, and all safety and security arrangements are in place. For example, we ensure that all the tour operators we work with and who manage the various tours, have all the requisite documentation and are members of TTITOA. For us the safety, security, and professional delivery and quality service to our clients are on par with international norms.”
Pouchet claims that the tours are affordable to local clients, adding: “Over the years we have had subsidised tours but this year there is no subsidy from the state or the private sector. To keep it at the best price possible we have reduced our prices while keeping packages at their normal high quality. This year, we are offering eight experiences and they are open to all ages.”
Aside from attracting locals, Pouchet said that the TTITOA is also keen on attracting foreigners to our shores. She said: “One of the things we have noticed is that our project has now gone regional and international. We now have people calling us from abroad enquiring about our tour schedule and wanting to be part of them. Our project would enhance the attraction by foreign visitors to not just participate and taste a slice of T&T but would also increase bookings at hotels and guest houses nationwide.”
Pouchet is hoping that the TTITOA initiative would endear itself to Government and the private sector. She said: “To make sure any project works, there needs to be public and private sector partnership and co-operation so we the tour operators can ensure that the product on the ground is available and accessible. But the onus is upon the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Corporation to market and position Destination T&T.”
Experience T&T 2016
• Bush Bush, Nariva
• The Caroni kayak; a morning tour
• Chacachacare; Down the Islands
• Gasparee Caves/Monos Islands Tour
• Rio Seco Waterfalls, combined with Mt St Benedict
• Zorro Waterfalls, Maracas/Las Cuevas
• One-day trip to Tobago, includes Argyle Waterfall, Lunch at Pigeon Point, Buccoo Reef/Nylon Pool
• Five-day Eco adventure holiday camp for kids, for children five-18; includes rappelling, wakeboarding, Carib Culture Centre, El Socorro Wildlife Centre
MORE INFO
The TTITOA call centre and dispatch area, where tours will originate from, are located at the National Carnival Commission (NCC) office, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Call 782-9112/782-9117, or email experiencetandt@gmail.com.