TriniRealty.com

President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association Carol Ann Birchwood–James says the projected room occupancy figure for this month is less than July and August last year.

She revealed this after a meeting of the Tourism Standing Committee this week that brought together the various players looking for solutions to the issues plaguing the tourism industry in Tobago. Minister of Tourism Dr Rupert Griffith said, however, that there was light at the end of the tunnel, assuring that collaboration was the key. The main issues were the air bridge, sea bridge, accommodation and security and its effect on the tourism industry. Birchwood–James described the meeting as a game changer, noting that solutions to the problems were discussed. "What was most important about today is that we got resolution to some of our immediate problems, promises of resolution which is something that has been sadly lacking for a long time," she said. "We are all stakeholders here and we extended the invitation to other stakeholders outside of our association and we are all leaving this meeting today very optimistic very hopeful," she said.

In the midst of heated general election campaigning in T&T, the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) is moving full steam ahead in constructing a five-star hotel on the island. The cost of the mega project is in excess of US$20 million.

The hotel, to be called Indigo Bay, is located in the serene village of Lambeau and would be the first of its kind in Tobago. Work on the hotel stopped prematurely about two years ago. Christopher James, THTA vice-president, who confirmed yesterday that work had resumed, said the hotel would accommodate 79 suites in its first phase—expected to be completed within a 12-month period—and 150 when the project is completed. The completion date is scheduled for June 2011.

Never underestimate the tourism industry. Behind the easy facade lurks a cut-throat industry that few independent hoteliers survive.

With tourism figures showing a little recovery after the drought of last year’s global economic crisis, local hotels are being forced to fight over slim pickings. For the past four decades, Kapok Hotel at St Clair has not only been holding its own, but is making headway in an industry dominated by international chains with deep pockets. As the hotel celebrates its 40th year in business with a new revamped look, directors and sisters Diana Cohen-Chan and Jane Chan recalled last week how they were raised in the business.