Bavina Sookdeo

Nearly two months after an oil spill from a capsized boat that began on February 7, approximately 200 meters off the Cove Eco-Industrial Park’s coast, Tobago Business Day tried to gauge its economic impact on the island’s tourism industry.

While business owners say the oil spill has not affected the number of people visiting Tobago for vacation, they are calling for the island’s tourism sector to be revamped.

Several business owners told Business Day that adding new attractions and more cost-effective vacation packages will attract more tourists.

Asked about the impact of the spill on his business, Benson Hanomansingh, owner of Traditions Bar and Grill, clarified that he primarily serves a local clientele. “We have a lot of locals visiting us and they keep coming back. The foreigners give us the extras,” he said.

Having been open for 12 years, Traditions Bar and Grill, in Pigeon Point, is a popular destination for tourists.

On the industry’s overall condition and suggestions for Tobago’s improvement, Hanomansingh commented, “The tourism industry can bring tourists initially, but it’s up to stakeholders to ensure they return. If you build it, they will come.”

When asked about the influence of crime on visitor numbers, Hanomansingh noted, “Crime is everywhere, not just in TT.”

During brief discussions with tourists, predominantly Trinidadians spending their Easter vacation on the island, it was conveyed that the oil spill hadn’t deterred their decision to visit Tobago.

An owner offering beach chair, tent, and hut rentals highlighted an uptick in local visitors for Easter.

He said his business remains unaffected by the oil spill or issues with the Cabo Star ferry, and Trinidadians continue to flock to Tobago, attracted by its affordability.

Asked about potential improvements to the industry, he said long-standing foreign visitors, with over two decades of visits, adore Tobago but express a desire for novelty.

[caption id="attachment_1037316" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Visitors board the Coral Princess Tours, to head out to the Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reeffrom Store Bay. - File photo[/caption]

“They want to experience something new. They cherish our culture, but we need fresh and inventive ways to showcase it to them.”

21 Plantations Paradise is a short-term vacation home rental business in the Tobago Plantations, which sells a luxury getaway experience.

Asked about the annual tourist influx, the owner explained, “That is a very difficult question to answer, as the numbers from the post-covid era are still low, as both locals and foreigners are carefully assessing how to spend. But the general peak periods of Christmas, Carnival, Easter, and the July-August period still exist.”

For the entire Easter period, from March 22-April 10, 21 Plantations Paradise is fully booked.

The owner said, “Businesses similar to ours located along the western part of the island mainly have visitors from Trinidad, who visit mostly on the weekends. While the short-term vacation businesse