Tobago Tourism is going green.

Speaking at a press conference at the World Travel Market in London, Tourism officials from the island unveiled the vision for Tobago’s tourism industry that focuses on eco-initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability and preservation, as well as product and human resource development projects to enhance the on-island experience for visitors.
Tobago Tourism Agency Limited CEO Louis Lewis articulated some of the eco-initiatives for 2020 that are planned and ongoing, including the introduction of the Green Key Programme for the accommodation sector, Blue Flag certification for two of the island’s beaches, and the nomination of North East Tobago as a UNESCO “Man and the Biospherse” Reserve.
Also speaking at the press event held on Tobago’s eye-catching stand were Kelvin Charles, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, and Councillor Nadine Stewart-Phillips, Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation.
The Chief Secretary stated, “Conserving the rich biodiversity of Tobago is about more than ensuring it remains an ecological sanctuary. It is also about us doing our part as a small island to mitigate against the effects of climate change which continue to affect our planet. We want to do tourism in a manner that is inherently sustainable so that we can always have the opportunity to indulge in all that makes us a marvel.
TTAL continues to work alongside local establishments to sensitise them about being greener and more environmentally conscious while maintaining a positive overall visitor experience.”
The Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation in her address reiterated Tobago’s commitment to seeing a steady growth in visitor arrivals through collaboration with travel trade partners and airlines, and also outlined her Division’s on-island initiatives targeting the people of Tobago.
Secretary Stewart-Phillips stated, “Some of the policy decisions undertaken are programmes and initiatives geared towards ensuring that our entire population in island is fully aware of the importance of the sector and to stimulate greater understanding and interest into the industry. These programmes are consistent with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s overall plans for sustainable tourism development in the region.”
The joint delegation of the THA TTTAL and local industry stakeholders will continue to engage in high profile public relations and reputation management and networking activities at WTM 2019, with the overarching objective of developing a more vibrant, viable, and sustainable tourism industry for destination Tobago.