Why do we insist on shooting down any opportunity our sister island has at advancement?
What’s worse we do not support initiatives for its growth, yet we are quick to condemn their requests for large budgetary allocations and other Government support, which by the way they are completely entitled to… we are Trinidad AND Tobago after all.
This week it was announced Superior Hotels Limited had won a bid to construct a 200 room Marriott hotel, 28 duplex residences, 11 luxury villas, 12 townhouses and a host of luxury holiday amenities on 28 acres of land at Rocky Point.
The land, which is owned by the Government, has been leased to Superior Hotels for 99 years. Superior Hotels has committed to investing $496 million.
The Government, and let me make this clear, is NOT funding this project.
I repeat for those bawling, “I thought the Government eh have no money” the Government is not spending a red cent to construct this resort.
Frankly it’s a wayyyy better deal than the Sandals project, which involved the Government having to fund the construction of the hotel. Also unlike Sandals the ecological impact is at a minimum.
Naturally, because most Trinidadians are shortsighted pessimists who rarely read beyond the headline, the naysaying was loud and fully of dunciness.
I love Tobago. It is brimming with potential to be a tourism hub.
Unfortunately, tourism has long been treated like the ugly step child, compared to the golden child that is the energy sector.
Well, well how the tides have changed.
As the energy sector shrinks, Tobago has been given its moment to rise to the occasion.
The construction of this project will create 750 direct jobs, when it is open it will directly employ 200 persons.
Indirectly, this project will create increased opportunities for food vendors, local artisans, tour operators, car rentals, and service and goods vendors.
Additionally, increased interest in Tobago forces the island’s governing bodies to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors. This naturally benefits the residents of Tobago.
Best part of all of this is that it will generate US earnings… wooo!
Currently, the majority of visitors to Tobago are Trinidadians and we aren’t spending US nor are we spending the amount of money that European or North Americans would on vacation.
People have argued why do we need another hotel in Tobago, as the hotels there can’t be filled.
Well, if I am being honest, the facts are the existing hotels in Tobago are not up to the standard of other Caribbean hotels.
The Marriott has the reputation/pull to lure in more foreign visitors and the ability give them the experience they are looking for.
This isn’t bad news for the existing hotels; it gives them the push they need to upgrade their facilities. Competition can be healthy.
The Marriott will also bring about a certain level of international awareness, therefore Tobago will be given a lovely little publicity boost. Not every foreigner will stay at the Marriott, but the Marriott’s presence in Tobago may have been what drew their attention to a once hidden island.
“But what about we!” screams the Trinis who are vex with everything.
Breds, not everything can be catered for us. The majority of Trinis who go to Tobago stay in apartments or rental houses. We don’t buy big ticket souvenirs, we aren’t big tippers, and again we aren’t spending US.
If I was a foreigner, living in a frozen tundra of a country, if I am spending a big chunk of dough on a tropical vacation, I want to stay in an all-inclusive resort, where I can skin out on a beach while being served tropical cocktails and getting a massage.
Resorts like the Marriott can do that and will force existing hotels to provide the same services.
Progress!
The expansion of the ANR Robinson Airport will allow for more foreign flights, bringing more tourists who need places to stay and will demand a higher quality accommodation.
We always hate on Tobago. They are forever being accused of living on the coat tails of Trinidad.
Here is a chance for the development of their own income; a chance to establish themselves and contribute to the foreign exchange earnings our twin island nation is desperate for.
Commentary: Let Tobago Be Great
Why can’t we just let Tobago be great?
Why do we insist on shooting down any opportunity our sister island has at advancement?
What’s worse we do not support initiatives for its growth, yet we are quick to condemn their requests for large budgetary allocations and other Government support, which by the way they are completely entitled to… we are Trinidad AND Tobago after all.
This week it was announced Superior Hotels Limited had won a bid to construct a 200 room Marriott hotel, 28 duplex residences, 11 luxury villas, 12 townhouses and a host of luxury holiday amenities on 28 acres of land at Rocky Point.
The land, which is owned by the Government, has been leased to Superior Hotels for 99 years. Superior Hotels has committed to investing $496 million.
The Government, and let me make this clear, is NOT funding this project.
I repeat for those bawling, “I thought the Government eh have no money” the Government is not spending a red cent to construct this resort.
Frankly it’s a wayyyy better deal than the Sandals project, which involved the Government having to fund the construction of the hotel. Also unlike Sandals the ecological impact is at a minimum.
Naturally, because most Trinidadians are shortsighted pessimists who rarely read beyond the headline, the naysaying was loud and fully of dunciness.
I love Tobago. It is brimming with potential to be a tourism hub.
Unfortunately, tourism has long been treated like the ugly step child, compared to the golden child that is the energy sector.
Well, well how the tides have changed.
As the energy sector shrinks, Tobago has been given its moment to rise to the occasion.
The construction of this project will create 750 direct jobs, when it is open it will directly employ 200 persons.
Indirectly, this project will create increased opportunities for food vendors, local artisans, tour operators, car rentals, and service and goods vendors.
Additionally, increased interest in Tobago forces the island’s governing bodies to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors. This naturally benefits the residents of Tobago.
Best part of all of this is that it will generate US earnings… wooo!
Currently, the majority of visitors to Tobago are Trinidadians and we aren’t spending US nor are we spending the amount of money that European or North Americans would on vacation.
People have argued why do we need another hotel in Tobago, as the hotels there can’t be filled.
Well, if I am being honest, the facts are the existing hotels in Tobago are not up to the standard of other Caribbean hotels.
The Marriott has the reputation/pull to lure in more foreign visitors and the ability give them the experience they are looking for.
This isn’t bad news for the existing hotels; it gives them the push they need to upgrade their facilities. Competition can be healthy.
The Marriott will also bring about a certain level of international awareness, therefore Tobago will be given a lovely little publicity boost. Not every foreigner will stay at the Marriott, but the Marriott’s presence in Tobago may have been what drew their attention to a once hidden island.
“But what about we!” screams the Trinis who are vex with everything.
Breds, not everything can be catered for us. The majority of Trinis who go to Tobago stay in apartments or rental houses. We don’t buy big ticket souvenirs, we aren’t big tippers, and again we aren’t spending US.
If I was a foreigner, living in a frozen tundra of a country, if I am spending a big chunk of dough on a tropical vacation, I want to stay in an all-inclusive resort, where I can skin out on a beach while being served tropical cocktails and getting a massage.
Resorts like the Marriott can do that and will force existing hotels to provide the same services.
Progress!
The expansion of the ANR Robinson Airport will allow for more foreign flights, bringing more tourists who need places to stay and will demand a higher quality accommodation.
We always hate on Tobago. They are forever being accused of living on the coat tails of Trinidad.
Here is a chance for the development of their own income; a chance to establish themselves and contribute to the foreign exchange earnings our twin island nation is desperate for.
So let us shut up, and let Tobago be great.