WITH Tobago’s carnival just over a week away, the island’s accommodation sector is reporting varying occupancy rates, depending on the type of establishment.
But at this point it is unclear whether the bookings reflect actual numbers of people coming to Tobago to play mas and party, as opposed to those providing services for various entities associated with carnival, Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) president Alpha Lorde said.
“Some hotels are showing an increase in occupancy with an average amongst members of about 50 per cent,” he said in a brief WhatsApp message on Wednesday.
But he quickly pointed out, “Some of this occupancy is not directly related to revellers but is supported by institutions providing services to the carnival.”
Jason Martin, general manager of Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Lowlands, said the hotel’s occupancy rate so far is nothing to boast about. He said the hotel is currently below 50 per cent.
“Anything under 50 per cent is nothing great for us,” he told Newsday. “We are a large hotel with 200 rooms. We need to be over 50 per cent consistently to consider anything great.”
On the flip side, Martin said the owner of a guest house with ten rooms would say he has 100 per cent occupancy.
“But I have a 200-room hotel. Ten rooms for me is just about five per cent.”
He could not say if the occupancy rate at the hotel will increase by next week.
“The local traveller is very last-minute. But if I wait until last minute to book and the flight is not available, I still can’t come.”
Winston Pereira, owner and general manager of Miller’s Guest House, Buccoo, said small properties such as his appear to be doing well.
He said as far as he is aware, many of the small establishments are almost completely booked for the carnival.
“From October 26-29 we are full. Last year was pretty good, we were full as well.”
On this year’s bookings, Pereira said owing to the unpredictable nature of the industry, things could change in the twinkling of an eye.
“That is just how the business is. You could have no-shows and various other elements that contribute to persons not being able to come. But as it stands, we have more or less confirmed all.”
He said having a fully booked establishment for just about three days, though, does not cut it.
“We want a level of consistency and predictability in the industry.”
For example, Pereira observed that bookings during this year’s July-August period were “very poor” compared to previous years.
He added hoteliers and guesthouse operators are hoping they benefit from a bumper winter season.
“We are hoping that we will get the right airlift to bring people here and that CAL will be on board with us in terms of the airbridge. If those two things work, we should have a positive outlook.”
Former THTA vice president and national award recipient Carol-Ann Birchwood-James said while all establishments would like to achieve 100 per cent occupancy, she does not believe the sector will be fully booked across the board.
She also
