National Geographic returns to Tobago for TTAL marketing initiative
Posted Jul 31, 2019
National Geographic Traveller returned to Tobago to capture footage of the island’s unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered product in phase two of a marketing initiative by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL).
TTAL engaged National Geographic Traveller - the UK edition of one of the most iconic and widely read magazines in the world – to capture content in Tobago and feature the destination on their print and digital platforms.
In May 2019, the travel publication sent a production team to cover various cultural and coastal elements of the island, including harvest celebrations in Belle Garden, traditional dirt-oven baking in Castara, picturesque beaches, and the diverse marine life found in the island’s crystal clear waters.
Phase two of National Geographic’s coverage took place on July 24 and 25, 2019, with focus on Tobago’s eco-adventure offerings, from hiking and birdwatching in the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, turtle watching on Turtle Beach, bioluminescence tours in the Bon Accord Lagoon, and a sampling of the island’s many waterfalls.
The production team from National Geographic Traveller included Cinematographer Mr. Max Smith, and Director/Producer Mr. Thomas Winward. Commenting on his experience filming in Tobago, Mr. Winward said:
“Tobago is unique in that it feels relatively untouched by the rest of the world. There is an authenticity to it which other destinations lack. This makes it an incredible place to explore and an important place to protect so that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty just as much as we have…
There is obviously a very strong community at the heart of life in Tobago. It feels like home away from home, and the natural beauty is like nothing I've seen before.”
The Tobago Tourism Agency engaged one of Tobago's highly respected bird experts and ecologists Mr. William Trim, to lead the production team through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and to the Argyle, Parlatuvier and Castara Waterfalls, utilizing his expertise to spot and identify some of the 220 species of birds found in Tobago.
Mr. Trim was also one of the locals interviewed by the production team, as this marketing initiative will highlight Tobago's people as well as its nature, culture, and multiple opportunities for adventure.
The resulting content from this marketing project will be a sequence of five (5) articles revolving around Tobago’s unspoilt, untouched, undiscovered appeal, as well as a content hub on National Geographic Traveller website featuring photos and videos highlighting the island’s unique product offerings.
The visual and written content will also be utilized by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited for marketing activities in source markets, providing persuasive, inspirational content aimed at increasing visitor arrivals to the island.