By Prior Beharry
THE Trinbago Festival held as part of the Toronto Festival circuit had more than 18,000 vistors over two days in August.
This according to a joint release by Tourism Trinidad Ltd, the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd and the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Toronto on Friday.
The release noted that the festival was held at Yonge-Dundas Square on August 27 and 28, 2022, the weekend before Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th Anniversary of Independence.
It comprised a food festival and cultural show featuring steelpan, tassa, calypso, folk dancing, soca performances, comedy sketches, Carnival presentations – including traditional ole mas – and a surprise performance from Trinbagonian calypso icon David Rudder, the release stated.
For Tourism Trinidad Limited and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, the Trinbago Festival was an important avenue for activating their respective diaspora campaigns in Canada, reaching new communities that were attracted to the festival and the authentic Trinbago experience it provided, it stated.
Carla Cupid, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad Limited, said that the company’s marketing team was overwhelmed by the positive feedback.
She said, “Our partnership with the Consulate in Toronto is a template for future relationships with all of our overseas missions as we seek to connect with Trinbagonians abroad who are excited to share our unique culture with the world.”
Alicia Edwards, Executive Chairman of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited said, “At the Agency we’ve been working tirelessly with our brothers and sisters in the travel and tourism industry to rise above the challenges of the pandemic, and ensure that our beautiful little island is ready to welcome visitors again.”
She said, “Our presence at Trinbago Festival sends a clear message to members of the diaspora and travellers from the Canadian market – Tobago has reopened for business, and is ready to welcome you back!”
The relase stated, “The first ever Trinbago Festival was made even more memorable by the City of Toronto’s recognition of the event with the special illumination of the CN Tower and Toronto sign in red, white and black.”
