Tobago’s formal opening of a new terminal building is its latest step toward revitalising an insipid tourism industry. While actual commissioning of passenger support systems are still some way off, signs are things are happening. The ducks as they say, are lining up. Today we want to paint (one more time) the picture of what Tobago should look like if that new building is to recover its cost. Let’s begin with the generic list of prerequisites - which does seem to fill the bill for some cranking destinations within the Caribbean neighbourhood. Its kept short and doable in the interest of aiding retention.
A good tourist destination typically features a combination of attractions, accessibility, amenities, and positive overall image, all contributing to a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors. Here is the breakdown of these key components:
| Attractions: | These are the things that compel tourists to visit, such as natural wonders (beaches, reefs, forests etc.), historical sites, cultural landmarks, or unique events. |
| Accessibility: | The ease with which tourists can reach and move around the destination is crucial. This includes good transportation infrastructure (airports, roads, public transport), clear signage, and user-friendly aids to local navigation. |
| Amenities: | These are the services and facilities that cater to the needs and comfort of visitors, such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and recreational facilities. |
| Image: | The overall perception and reputation of the destination play a significant role in attracting tourists. A positive image can be built through effective marketing, strong safety and security measures, and a commitment to sustainability. |
| Activities: | A good tourist destination offers a variety of activities and experiences to cater to different interests, whether it’s hiking, water sports, cultural tours, or night-life. |
| Safety and Security: | Tourists prioritize safety and security, so a destination needs to ensure that visitors feel safe and protected. |
| Accommodation: | The availability of comfortable and suitable accommodation options is essential, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. |
| Affordability: | The cost of visiting and staying in a destination should be reasonable and accessible to a wide range of travellers. |
But as with any list, the design and implementation of a (tourism) product will hinge on the would be destination’s geography, people, its convertible assets and true readiness to properly present these to the market. Again this is pretty much standard pre-operating check-listing but. And since Tobago is actually no neophyte to the tourism game it will be in its best interest to include plans for maintaining; asset wear after all is a real thing and can kill the best tourism plans out there.
But as we begin to sideline this post into a talk on maintenance, which every business in the world considers to be a critical factor for sustainability, let’s appreciate that ranking high in Tobago’s inventory - the key to its potential so to speak, is its Nature. Tobago by missing out on the initial first century of tourism opportunity, may have lucked into a second chance if only because its natural environment remains fairly intact. And this still holds true, despite the fast moving scourge that is climate change, as well as the other numerous pressures put to the population daily.
Back to that call for maintenance. Just as systems engineers in the new airport terminal will be focussing on deployment and upkeep, so too do we expect the tourism sector to ensure there are like regimes in place for every item listed up top. If not, Tobago’s failure this time may push Tourism foward by another 100 years.
Author's note. Uncharacteristically, the call to protect Tobago's natural environment was not front and centre in this post. Am thinking the tourism product development team will eventually take that on board. Rather, today's inspiration is due Curtis Williams, Chair of the Tobago Chapter of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Hopefully I've captured the essence of his concern re: our tourism prospects.