
Tobagonians unite for “We Are Tobago” Roadshow
Posted Dec 12, 2022
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited partnered with public and private sector organisations, tourism entrepreneurs, entertainers, artisans and more to bring the “We Are Tobago” Domestic Roadshow to life in Roxborough on December 1st and in Scarborough on December 6th, 2022.
Tobagonians came out in their numbers to partake in the free events, which featured some of Tobago’s key tourism stakeholders, vendors, artisans and performing artistes – including Gardah Knight, Oscar B, Kleon McPherson Stephanie Joseph Adana, Keishaun Walcott, and– in a family-friendly experience that ran from 10am to 6pm on each day.
The “What to Do” pavilion engaged patrons on a four-part journey through Tobago’s unique experiences, aligned with the core pillars of the destination’s tourism brand. At the “Eco Adventure and Nature” stand, local fauna under the professional care of conservationist Roy Corbin reminded patrons of the natural wonders to see on the island, while certified tour guides provided information on how to book an outdoor adventure. Bursting with colour, the “Local Culture, People and Heritage” stand highlighted Tobago’s rich history and culture with historical artefacts, festival displays and live drumming, courtesy the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation. Frontier Divers invited patrons to explore the underwater beauty of the island on the “Seas & Beaches” stand, while the lush floral backdrop at the “Romance & Weddings” stand managed by WED Tobago enticed patrons to visit and learn more about the romantic side of the island.
Alicia Edwards, Executive Chairman at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited stated:
“Tobago’s domestic community has never been targeted for a tourism campaign such as this before, which demonstrates our shift in focus at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, as we explore new and more collaborative pathways to tourism industry development. We still have a long way to go in getting Tobago’s tourism industry where it needs to be, but if we continue in this spirit of unity and perseverance, destination Tobago is well-poised for continued recovery and growth in 2024 and beyond.”
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited’s team, along with key industry partners, engaged with patrons at the “Stay Connected Pavilion”, which highlighted ease of connections to the island with the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, showcased the variety of tourism accommodation options with the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association and the Tobago Unique Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering Association, and encouraged tourism industry education with the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute. The “Shop Local” Pavilion gave Roadshow attendees a chance to purchase unique locally made products that ranged from dasheen-based treats (a Blue Food Festival staple), to handmade jewellery, wooden sculptures, handmade soaps, paintings and more.
Andra Joefield, Marketing Officer at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited and one of the project leads for the Roadshow, commented:
“We Are Tobago” really helped to connect our local tourism businesses and vendors with buyers in a common platform, stimulating economic activity in the sector at a domestic level, and providing a platform for our partners to showcase their offering. The Roadshow also helped to shed light on some of Tobago’s natural hidden gems, educating persons about tours they could experience, sites and attractions they could visit, and the variety of accommodation options on the island through interactive games and information sharing opportunities.”
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited will be taking the “We Are Tobago” Roadshow to Trinidad early in 2023, with related activities to continue across Tobago in smaller communities throughout the year. For more information, please visit the official “We Are Tobago” online hub at www.tobagobeyond.com/we-are-tobago