Tourism offers unmatched potential for economic growth: Peters

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure on Friday opened a Bailey bridge over the Marianne River in Blanchisseuse that opens the way for increased access for villagers, farmers, fisher folk and visitors.

In an address at the event acting Tourism Minister Winston Peters said the bridge will bring an improved livelihood for the surrounding communities.

"This is a project that will enhance food security by allowing the farmers of Blanchisseuse easier access to their land so they can plant and harvest their crops and bolster food production," Peters said.

He added, "This bridge is an effective river crossing suspension bridge that will add more fun and convenience to your recreational activities through ecotourism activities like hiking and river limes and other supplemental fun exercises."

Peters also took the opportunity to talk about the country’s diversity and its tourism potential.

“Trinidad and Tobago can boast many excellent natural assets including a vibrant, rainbow people, an ecotourism product that is second to none in the Caribbean with a wealth of flora and fauna, including the second largest variety of birds in the world and one of the most popular nesting beaches for leatherback turtles.

File: A leatherback turtle nesting in Trinidad

“To support the destination’s natural attractions, Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism authorities are actively involved in implementing a range of initiatives to enhance all product offerings and service levels in the destination,” the minister stated.

Peters noted that the North coast of Trinidad provides an unmatched vacation experience, pointing to the turtle watching experience as a prime attraction. 

He said in addition, the North coast offers easy access to beaches, waterfalls, rivers, fishing, hunting, agro-tourism, unique flora and fauna, exotic local foods, hiking trails, camping and much more.

“Tourism Projects in this area proposes to support the unleashing of the potential of the area, thereby increasing its attractiveness to locals as well as foreign visitors, which would redound to the empowerment of the communities along this coast, and to their growth, development and poverty reduction,” he said. 

Maracas Beach on Trinidad's north coast

Peters said the tourism ministry and the tourism development corporation will be revisiting its annual domestic tourism public awareness campaign to change the public perception and attitude towards the couintry’s flora, fauna and the environment.

“We recognise that tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world and is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and diversification, job creation and poverty alleviation,” Peters declared.