1. XIX INTERAMERICAN TRAVEL CONGRESS
Tourism : A Challenge for Addressing Poverty
San Salvador, El Salvador
September 29,

2. Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism Development
Overview of Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism
Goals and Objectives for Sustainable Tourism Development
Framework for Development: Policies and Plans
Implementation of Tourism Projects through Partnerships
Success Factors
The Way Forward

3. Trinidad & Tobago’s Location

4. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad and Tobago is a twin island republic with a population of 1.4 million
Trinidad and Tobago is an emerging tourism destination and understands the importance of private-public sector partnerships for successful tourism development

5. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO One country; Two differentiated islands
Trinidad:1,864 sq. miles
Tobago: 120 sq. miles
Located at the southernmost end of the Caribbean, just off South America … 7 miles (11km) from Venezuela. Tobago lies 20 miles (30 km) to the northeast of Trinidad

6. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Westminster-style parliamentary democracy
Diverse Population Mix -European, East Indian, African, Chinese and Amerindian influences
Official language is English with an initiative to encourage Spanish learning
Floating currency, pegged to the US dollar, currently trading at $6.40

7. TOURISM Small, emerging tourist destination
Trinidad – busy and exciting, Tobago- green, clean and serene
Tourism and Travel contributes 10.9% to the national economy
Projected tourism growth: 3 % to GDP for the next 3 years
Strong cultural diversity - people, culture, food, music, festivals, heritage
Home of Carnival, calypso, soca and chutney
Inventors of the steel pan
Growing eco-destination – flora, fauna, leatherback turtles

8. Sustainable Tourism: Our Goals and Objectives
The National Tourism Policy supports a balanced approach for the development of communities’ natural and cultural assets through sustainable practices.
The Policy proposes a participatory and integrative approach to tourism planning and implementation with all stakeholders: local communities as well as private and public sector organizations

9. Sustainable Tourism: Our Goals and Objectives
Use tourism as a vehicle for nation-building and an improved quality of life for all citizens through development of infrastructure, services, job creation, increased competitiveness and economic diversification.
Facilitate and encourage investment in tourism projects with a focus on small and medium enterprises in the sector

10. Framework for Strategic Tourism Development
Our policies and plans have been developed through collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and community groups to ensure successful development and implementation of tourism projects
Establishment of the Standing Committee for the Sustainable Development of Tourism comprised of senior private and public sector individuals

11. Project Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism has initiated several tourism projects which support the development and strengthening of local communities to achieve a more diversified range of tourism products to promote economic development and
Encourages adherence to tourism best practices and adoption of global environmental standards

12. Project Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with private and public sector organizations and community associations to develop eco, coastal and agro, sport , medical and cultural heritage tourism activities throughout communities in Trinidad and Tobago

13. Project Initiatives
These initiatives have improved the standard of living for the communities
Strengthened capacity for micro, small and medium enterprises
Utilized indigenous products and natural resources within communities
Created jobs in craft making, tour guiding and hospitality services
Increased socio-cultural development and sustained the protection of the environment

14. Success Factors
Strategic Partnerships have been established with both public and private sector organizations
Enhanced community leadership and engagement in decision making
Facilitation of entrepreneurship and local skills development for rural communities
Greater interaction and cooperation among communities
Ongoing dialogue and communication among tourism stakeholders

15. The Way Forward
Continued collaboration with the private sector and community organizations to develop the attitudes and skills of local persons
Pursue opportunities that synergies and other benefits from regional integration and cooperation
Work towards regional projects to promote economic development

16. Thank You