The development of effective tourism policy for the island has been severely wanting for sometime now. One of the most important metrics of policy efficacy is stakeholder/end-user satisfaction. We should take heed!

I’ve long held the opinion that our endeavours in the mass/resort tourism arena are misplaced and in fact should be directed at community based, eco-lodge type accommodations. Clearly, the diasporic travellers and expats appreciate the “staying true” identity. Do we?

To be plain, as a small island, Tobago should be focused on mastering one or two niches… no more! We simply lack the resources to make meaningful impact or progress with the stab at every one approach that has been in use the past few decades.

Tobago, with all its natural beauty from rainforest to coastline and bursting at the seams with talented people, is actually spoilt for choice. Had we been blessed with only beaches or biodiversity, our strategy and policies would be crystal clear.

Even within the national context, Tobago’s tourism identity is foggy at best. Often times, similar or identical offerings are made in Trinidad, the main and often first port of call. And the islands are then in direct competition with each other to capture these few precious foreign dollars.

Let’s take hold of the opportunity this pandemic has presented us and realign our focus using a strategy that, beyond being competitive, is uniquely relevant and responsive.

We can start by listening to what the tourists want… more of who WE ARE!

#i3green #sustainabletourism #ecotourism #communitytourism #naturalresources #TrueIdentity #tobagoness