HOW TO SELL TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Dynamic Duo
BY DEBBIE WARD The most southerly islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago make a compelling pair. Tobago, and its larger, more
industrialised twin, Trinidad, are on few first-timers’ Caribbean wish lists but their rich culture and wildlife reward those looking for a deeper experience. Tourism to the islands has been boosted by an increase in scheduled flights. British Airways raised frequency to Trinidad, via St Lucia, from five times a week to daily in March and from the end of November Virgin Atlantic will add a second weekly departure. While Air Passenger Duty (APD) has
affected the whole of the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago have been less impacted, helped by the recent Tobago 'Go Go Go' special offer campaign. The islands are particularly popular
with independent travellers, according to Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Development Company UK account director, Jane West. "Being further south than the other Caribbean islands, they enjoy much steadier weather patterns." Tobago, the more popular of the two,
has the better beaches and is more quiet and low-key. Surrounded by shallow reefs it is a
good choice for diving and snorkelling and is recognised for its drift dives. Speyside, the top diving hotspot, includes the world’s largest known brain coral, while giant rays can be seen around Flying Manta Reef from March to July. Non-swimmers can enjoy glass- bottomed boat rides to Buccoo Reef. “Tobago is really popular for those wanting to dive as it’s ringed by secluded bays and offshore islands. It’s also good for those interested in wildlife with excursions available to places like the Bird of Paradise island and Grafton Bird
Sanctuary,” said Cosmos product manager Kim Barber. The islands’ location just off South America sees them attract some special birdlife. On Trinidad, twitchers and tourists can visit the acclaimed Asa Wright Nature Centre to watch them. Another natural attraction specific to Trinidad is the unusual La Brea Pitch Lake, the world’s largest natural asphalt lake. Self-renewing, its contents are mined for use in road-making and construction. Tours are available and visitors can bathe in its sulphur springs. Turtles nest on both Trinidad and
Tobago from May to June so tourists have a chance to watch adults come ashore and hatchlings make a race for the sea. Other activities across the islands include hiking, biking, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, exploring Trinidad’s caves or teeing off on Tobago’s two 18-hole championship golf courses. The best cultural showcase for the
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO What's New...
• Trinidad and Tobago will be partnering with Jamaica during the London 2012 Olympics to promote Caribbean holidays
• New to Cosmos' latest Distant Dreams brochure is the family- run two diamond Toucan Inn at Crown Point, Tobago, from £829pp for a week’s B&B with Monarch flights
• Tobago’s newest hotel is the Bacolet Beach Club, a boutique property with a secluded beach
• Caribtours will be adding the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to its 2012 brochure
islands, and the biggest draw for Trinidad, is of course Carnival in the lead-up to Easter with various processions and musical events culminating in a 400,000 strong parade of revellers clad in sequins and feather head-dresses. Steel drums or ‘pans’ were invented in Trinidad so even if they aren’t visiting during carnival, your clients should really make time to experience this music, perhaps in the Pan Yard Sensations festival in September or Steelpan and Jazz Festival in November. Other festivals include Taste T&T – a culinary showcase held on both islands in June and humorous goat and crab-racing festivals over Easter in Buccoo, Tobago.
Where To Book It CARIBTOURS – 020 7751 0660
www.caribtours.co.uk Seven nights from £1,357pp, staying at Kariwak Village, Tobago and the Hilton Trinidad. It includes flights, transfers and a private lounge at Gatwick.
The Royal Palm Suite Hotel
A family and business hotel with 70 large rooms and suites, with high speed internet, conference rooms, direct dial telephone, laundromart, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, shopping plaza. Ideally located near to banks, restaurants and supermarkets.
Location: 7 Saddle Road, Maraval Port of Spain Tel/Fax: 1 868 628 5086/9 • Email:
admin@royalpalm.co.tt • Web:
www.royalpalm.co.tt
24 July/August 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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