Lime and party on the tropical island of Trinidad, whose world-famous Carnival is considered the greatest show on Earth.
TRINIDAD
Despite being located just 20 miles by sea from Tobago, the sister island of Trinidad is anything but an identical twin.
Geographically, Trinidad is actually closer to Venezuela and exudes an unmistakably South American flair, a distinct departure from the African feel of its Caribbean sibling.
This equally extends from the first Spanish settlers that came to Trinidad in the 16th century, whose influences are reflected to this day in the island’s road signs, architecture, and even the coastal capital city, Port of Spain.
Adorned by the vast green expanse of uptown Queen’s Park Savannah and a host of fabulous fretworked buildings, Port of Spain is your ideal location for food, fun and festivals, located in the northwest of the island.
This savvy metropolitan verve occupies a crucial place in the national psyche as the crucible of the country’s rich cultural life and home of the world-famous Carnival, where high-energy parties and premier cultural competitions start just after Christmas and run all the way until Ash Wednesday.
From its diverse people and culture to its amazing personality, Trinidad breaks the mould of the typical Caribbean destination and boasts a year-long calendar of cultural events and festivals. Complemented by the island’s effervescent and energetic nightlife, with a multitude of roadside food and drink vendors, bars, nightclubs, lounges and VIP clubs, it’s clear that Trinidadians take entertainment seriously.
Just as lively is the ambiance of trade provided by a visit to the island’s inner-city markets, where an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish awaits. The unique artisans of Trinidad also invite discovery, including the locally produced haberdashery and handmade jewellery on offer at the San Antonio Green Market, another popular spot nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley.
An island brimming with endless possibility, where will Trinidad take you?
TOURISM INSIGHTS: TOURISM TRINIDAD LIMITED
Responsible travel and sustainability are crucial to the future of tourism in Trinidad according to the CEO of Tourism Trinidad Limited, Carla Cupid, who is optimistic about the development of the sector in 2023.
Q&A WITH CARLA CUPID, CEO, TOURISM TRINIDAD LIMITED
Can you talk me through the origins of Tourism Trinidad Limited and its initial vision?
Carla Cupid, CEO (CC): Tourism Trinidad Limited was established in June 2017 as a state enterprise under the then Ministry of Tourism. The mandate of the organisation is to develop and market Trinidad’s tourism offerings and promote Destination Trinidad. We are in the business of attracting tourism investment into Trinidad. We do all of this while promoting education, awareness, and co-operation in advancing the expansion of our economy through tourism.
What are the current travel and tourism trends in Trinidad, and how are you utilising them?
CC: Our natural beauty has already received high commendation from National Geographic as a family destination, inspiring journeys for all ages.
Our foodie culture has also been reviewed gastronomically by popular food blogger Mark Weins, and the videos from his trip have each received over one million views. Our strategy is to showcase, reach out and welcome, so we have a very active social media presence and have been on very successful trips to sell the brand overseas. Our first trip for 2023 was to the Netherlands, at Vakantiebeurs, where we took the message of visit Trinidad to the diaspora and European market.
We ensured that tour operators got a chance to see that our tagline of Trinidad, Always in Season, was not a myth and that we are accessible and aware of where the new markets are. This, coupled with KLM increasing its airlift to Trinidad, has been received positively.
How do you market Trinidad’s tourism experiences and continue to position the island as a premier tourism destination?
CC: We have taken a number of steps in this regard.
We constantly highlight our unique experiences and showcase Trinidad’s unique cultural, natural and adventure experiences to attract travellers. We also build partnerships with travel agencies, hotels and airlines to promote Trinidad as a destination.
In this era, we utilise a lot of digital marketing platforms like social media, travel websites, and influencer marketing to reach a wider audience and drive bookings. We also do a lot of destination branding to create a strong and consistent brand image for Trinidad to increase recognition and attract repeat visitors.
On the back end through our Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts and other government ministries and agencies, we look at improving infrastructure such as transportation, accommodations, and attractions to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Finally, we host events, cultural and sporting, to attract visitors and generate media coverage. This also lends to our sustainable tourism practices to preserve our unique natural and cultural heritage.
What differentiates Trinidad as a tourist destination from other Caribbean islands?
CC: Trinidad offers much more than sun, sand, and sea. Our appeal covers a wider range of activities that can appease any feeling of wanderlust. We have festivals of food and grog, tours of some of the world most unique eco-sites, and a wider range of nightlife and other entertainment opportunities than most Caribbean islands. Our island overflows with culture.
What is it that makes Trinidad the hub for entertainment, environment, business and other tourism activities?
CC: As the inventor of the steel pan and limbo, we are culturally connected to and responsible for some of the newest forms of entertainment in this century. We are the home of calypso and soca, making us a musical and rhythmic people who cannot get enough of creativity.
Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Trinidad?
CC: We are world renowned when it comes to our rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. I would tell any would-be visitor to experience our:
- Carnival – one of the largest and most vibrant street festivals in the world.
- Beaches – well known not just for clear waters and amazing views but also for their food offerings.
- Food – a diverse array of cuisine, influenced by our history as a melting pot of African, Indian, Chinese, and European cultures.
- Wildlife – we are home to unique species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well as lush forests and wetlands. Trinidad is also one of the largest natural hatcheries for the Leatherback Turtle.
- History – rich in colonial architecture, forts, and cultural heritage sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage site at Port of Spain’s Botanic Gardens.
Overall, we offer a unique blend of cultural, natural, and historical experiences, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for an exotic and memorable vacation.
What are some of the country’s most overlooked or underrated attractions?
CC: Trinidad has many underrated attractions that are often overlooked by tourists. These are some of Trinidad’s hidden gems that offer unique experiences and a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and natural beauty:
- Tamana Bat Caves
- Turtle watching
- The Pitch Lake – the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world, located in La Brea.
- Asa Wright Nature Centre – a former coffee and cocoa plantation, now a bird-watching paradise, located in the Northern Range.
- Fort George and St. James Barracks – a former military facility in Port of Spain, now a museum and cultural centre.
- The Guanapo Cave and the Aripo Caves – a series of caves and sinkholes with unique rock formations and crystal clear waters.
- The Caroni Bird Sanctuary – a mangrove swamp where thousands of scarlet ibis return to roost every night.
- The Temple in the Sea – a Hindu temple located in Waterloo, built entirely on stilts in the Gulf of Paria.
- The Chagaramas Bay – a serene and peaceful bay with several small islands and an area popular for water sports.
- The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust – a wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden dedicated to the conservation of wetland birds and other wildlife.
Tell us why responsible travel and sustainability are the future of tourism in Trinidad?
CC: There are several reasons why this is crucial to the future of tourism in Trinidad:
- Environmental protection – We are known for our rich biodiversity, including its rainforests, mangroves, and a wide range of unique animals. By encouraging and training our stakeholders in responsible travel practices we help reduce the impact of tourism on the environment and preserve these unique ecosystems for future generations.
- Economic benefits – Sustainable tourism also provides long-term benefits for local communities by creating jobs and promoting the development of local businesses. Our Paramin area is a great example of this, where we have developed its already rich heritage into a viable and sustainable tourist product. This can help reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for residents.
- Cultural preservation – Responsible travel also helps preserve the unique cultural heritage of Trinidad, including our music, food, and traditions. Our cultural identity is important to us and while we have adopted the callaloo concept of all the cultures coalescing into a melting pot of uniqueness we value the individual flavours that add to this product. Through our Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, we strive to maintain the cultural identity of Trinidadians and provide an authentic travel experience for visitors.
- Responsible resource use – Sustainable tourism will help to conserve the natural resources of our country, including water, energy, and wildlife. This ensures that these resources will be available for future generations and reduces the impact of tourism on the environment. So, our tour guides ensure that they create a small footprint while giving visitors the benefit of our various sites.
- Social benefits – Responsible travel helps promote cultural understanding and respect between visitors and local communities. We always encourage tourists to interact with locals and really experience Trinidad outside of the glass box. We encourage immersion and this can help foster positive relationships. Responsible travel and sustainability are crucial for the long-term health and success of tourism in Trinidad. They help preserve the environment, support local communities, and provide an authentic travel experience for visitors.
Are you optimistic about the development of Trinidad’s tourism sector in 2023?
CC: Very optimistic. The development of the sector in 2023 will depend on a variety of factors, the major ones being consumer confidence and interest in what we have to offer. We are building our brand outside and beyond Carnival and religious festivals, both of which are big ticket items. However, there exists a slow period in between, where we are now putting in place festivals of food, music and other activities to generate interest and visits.
Added to this, our country is known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant Carnival, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. With continued efforts to develop new attractions and improve tourism infrastructure, Trinidad is expected to continue to be a popular destination for tourists in 2023.
Trinidad is the new kid on the block so there is a lot of curiosity surrounding what we have to offer. Curiosity creates awareness and we are using that heightened awareness to tell people to visit Trinidad.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Do:
FOR A SHOWCASE OF NATURE AND CULTURE…
The sustainable, immersive and authentic experiences designed and implemented by HADCO Limited demonstrate the beauty of nature and cultural diversity in Trinidad and Tobago. These bespoke vacation packages satisfy your desire to explore tropical flora and fauna, connect with local communities, and preserve wildlife ecosystems. Discover regenerative travel at its best!
FOR NUMISMATIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT…
The Central Bank Museum showcases the numismatic history of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the history and development of the Central Bank.
FOR LIFE-CHANGING TOURS OF TRINIDAD…
FOR MORE THAN JUST CRUISING…
Carvalho’s Cruise Services Ltd
FOR BREATHTAKING BIRDLIFE…
Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tour
Sleep:
FOR CONTEMPORARY HOSPITALITY…
Waterfront leisure meets Caribbean hospitality at Hyatt Regency. Experience the lively downtown in Port of Spain when you check into this contemporary waterfront hotel, which is situated just 40 minutes from Piarco International Airport.
With sophisticated open-air dining, sweeping views of the Gulf of Paria, and authentic Caribbean hospitality for business travellers and vacationers, Hyatt Regency makes your Trinidad booking choice easy.
Chic hotel rooms await your retreat from the hotel’s infinity pool, relaxing spa and blood-pumping fitness centre, all stylishly finished with white oak floors, sleek furniture, and views of the gulf, city, or the Northern Range.
FOR REFINED COMFORT, REST AND RELAXATION…
In the heart of Trinidad’s south, Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre offers panoramic views and rustic settings, whether you’re there for business, sports or vacation.
FOR THE ONLY PLACE LIKE HOME…
FOR AN ECO- AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAY…
FOR CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE AND CHARM…
The BRIX Autograph Collection
FOR A WELCOME ARRIVAL BY AIR…
Serving the island of Trinidad, visitors will arrive by air at the award-winning Piarco International Airport (POS), managed and operated by the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT).
POS is alive with activity, as one of the busiest and largest airports in the Caribbean and the primary hub and operating base for the region’s largest airline, Caribbean Airlines. Disembark and savour local flavours at the airport’s café, bars and restaurants, relax in resplendent VIP lounges, or shop everything from local crafts to exclusive liquors.
As AATT continues to encourage an increasing number of new and existing airlines and routes to the island, escaping to the tropical isle of Trinidad is easier than ever.
FOR AN AUTHENTIC AIRLINE EXPERIENCE…
Feel the warmth of Trinidad both on and off the aircraft with Caribbean Airlines. With an unrivalled network connecting the entire region, fly in style with the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago for excellent customer service with a unique Caribbean touch, giving you a taste of what’s to come.
FOR GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION…
Taxis are available 24 hours a day at POS courtesy of the Piarco Airport Taxi Cooperative Society Ltd to help you get from the airport to your destination.
PORT OF SPAIN IN FOCUS
There is a dynamic, sophisticated and markedly different feel to Port of Spain compared to the rest of the island.
The capital’s compact centre is a dramatic juxtaposition of the old and new, where traditional street traders contend with international chains in sleek new shopping centres and glinting high-rises overlook colonial-era squares. Such lavish developments have been springing up all over the city over the last 20 or so years.
Amidst this mishmash of architectural styles stand several fine 19th century buildings, from dignified churches to picturesque gingerbread houses so-called for their decorative wooden fretwork.
Affording this built-up city some much-needed breathing room is the Queen’s Park Savannah, a large open space and a great place to take a gentle walk and admire Port of Spain’s prettier side. Dotted with fresh coconut vendors, it marks the divide between downtown Port of Spain, the city’s oldest district, and the more upmarket surrounds of the upper reaches.
As the hub and original home of Trinidad’s famous Carnival, revellers parade and masqueraders flood the streets of Port of Spain in bold, colourful and vibrant costumes to the exhilarating sounds of soca, steel-pan and calypso music. Known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”, the run-up to Carnival is comfortably the busiest time of year in Port of Spain, so booking accommodation well in advance is essential if you intend to stay anywhere in the city during the festivities.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Reserving a rental vehicle is advisable before arriving in Trinidad, particularly during the busy Christmas and Carnival seasons. Alternatively, there are private taxis and commercial buses to get you around the island by road.
Daily flights between Trinidad and Tobago are offered by Caribbean Airlines with an approximate flight time of just 24 minutes, complemented by an inter-island ferry service popular with vacationers and people travelling between the two islands.
An increasing number of luxurious cruise ships have also added Trinidad to their itineraries, and now call at Port of Spain.
