AGP Executive Report

Tourism Push: In the 2027 Budget, Government set a target to double tourism’s contribution to GDP, from 6% to 12%, focusing on culture, eco-tourism, business, health, sports and yachting. Plans include new hotels in Tobago, Piarco and San Fernando, and faster digital clearance for yachts. Tobago Airport: The new ANR Robinson East Terminal is scheduled to open today, with Caribbean Airlines moving all Tobago flights there from October 14. Tobago Funding: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the island’s allocation has fallen to $2.756 billion, while capital development funding drops 25% to $150 million—a cut he says could hinder infrastructure and economic diversification. Regional Connections: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, boosting travel links between the islands. Cruise Tourism: Holland America’s 2027 Pan Am centenary cruise will call in Port of Spain, with an excursion to Chaguaramas, a former Pan Am flying-boat base.

Regional Travel: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali renewed his call for faster, digital visa processing across the Caribbean, saying delays and limited services are holding back travel, business and tourism. Tourism Talent: Anguilla’s Amarni Webster won the CTO’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress, with Tobago’s Jolé St. John chairing the competition. Cruise Tourism: Holland America outlined its 2027 Pan Am centennial cruise, including a Port of Spain excursion to Chaguaramas and its aviation history. Tobago Tourism: The new airport terminal is opening as displaced residents continue to report hardship. More than 60,000 visitors are expected for Tobago Carnival, while debate over resort expansion and turtle-nesting sites highlights the challenge of balancing tourism growth with conservation. Air Links: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop service between Trinidad and Dominica, while InterCaribbean is boosting Trinidad–Barbados capacity ahead of Carnival.

Tobago Airport: The new terminal is set to open this week, alongside the start of a TT$500 million Marriott resort project. The airport could lift visitor numbers, but Tobago’s tourism chief says more and better-quality accommodation is also needed. Relocation Concerns: As the opening nears, displaced residents are still struggling to rebuild. One elderly resident says poor contractor work and financial hardship have left her home in disrepair. Tobago Tourism: More than 60,000 visitors are expected for Tobago Carnival, though a dispute over unpaid funds has raised the prospect of a Pan Trinbago boycott. A separate debate over resort development and turtle-nesting areas highlights the challenge of balancing tourism growth with conservation. Air Links: Contour Airlines has begun twice-weekly nonstop service between Trinidad and Dominica, while InterCaribbean is adding Trinidad–Barbados capacity ahead of Carnival. Cultural Calendar: Visitors can pay tribute to Mighty Sparrow at public viewings on October 13 and 14, ahead of his national farewell on October 16.

Cultural Tourism: Mighty Sparrow’s public viewings are set for October 13 and 14 in San Fernando and Port of Spain, ahead of the calypso legend’s national farewell on October 16. Tobago’s Tourism Push: The new airport terminal and a $500-million Marriott resort at Rocky Point are due to open and break ground on Tuesday, ahead of a weekly Toronto–Tobago flight. Tobago’s Chief Secretary says better air links must be matched by more and better accommodation. Development Debate: Rocky Point’s proposed resort is dividing opinion, with advocates of large-scale investment facing calls to protect the coastline and support community-led development. Regional Connections: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, boosting access ahead of Dominica’s Creole Festival. Carnival Readiness: CARPHA and the National Carnival Commission trained more than 200 vendors in food safety ahead of Carnival 2027, helping prepare for the thousands expected at the festival.

Tobago Tourism: The new A.N.R. Robinson International Airport terminal is set to open, alongside the sod-turning for a $500-million Marriott resort at Rocky Point. Officials say better air access must be matched by more quality rooms; a weekly Toronto–Tobago flight is also due soon. Development Debate: Rocky Point’s resort plans have sharpened debate over large-scale tourism growth versus community-led development, with local concerns about the coast and turtle habitat. Regional Air Links: InterCaribbean plans to increase Trinidad service from four weekly flights to daily and add about 50 per cent more seats ahead of Carnival. Contour has also launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica. South Coast Escape: La Brea offers more than the Pitch Lake: Carat Shed Beach has picnic areas, fishing heritage and remnants of an old jetty.

Tobago’s Tourism Balance: A proposed resort at Rocky Point has sharpened the debate over large-scale tourism development, community ownership and protecting turtle-nesting habitat. Carnival Travel: InterCaribbean plans to move from four weekly Trinidad flights to daily service and use larger aircraft, adding about 50% more seats ahead of Carnival. Tobago is also expecting more than 60,000 Carnival visitors, with strong demand prompting additional airlift. Regional Connections: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, strengthening links ahead of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival. Carnival Readiness: CARPHA and the National Carnival Commission trained more than 200 food vendors in safe food handling ahead of Carnival 2027, supporting a safer experience for visitors and locals. Cruise Tourism: Holland America’s 2027 Pan Am anniversary voyage will include Trinidad among its Caribbean stops, pairing shore excursions with onboard experiences inspired by the airline’s history.

Air Connectivity: InterCaribbean plans to increase Trinidad service from four weekly flights to daily ahead of Carnival, using larger aircraft to add about 50% more seats. Contour has also launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected, with strong demand prompting extra airlift. But Pan Trinbago’s threatened boycott over an outstanding $1.7 million debt could affect the cultural programme. Easier Regional Travel: Guyana’s president is urging faster digital visa processing and better transport links, saying cumbersome travel systems hold back tourism and partnerships across the Caribbean. Tobago’s Tourism Outlook: The Chamber’s Tobago chairman says the island needs stronger joint marketing and is looking for budget updates on the new A.N.R. Robinson Airport terminal. Culture and Visitor Experiences: The Caribbean Music Awards brought its first destination-based Elite Weekend to Trinidad, while a planned 2027 Pan Am anniversary cruise will include Trinidad shore excursions.

Air Connectivity: InterCaribbean Airways plans to move from four weekly Trinidad flights to daily service and use a larger aircraft, adding about 50% more seats ahead of Carnival. Contour Airlines has also launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, with a World Creole Music Festival pass discount for eligible passengers. Cruise Tourism: Holland America Line’s 28-day Pan Am anniversary cruise will include Trinidad among its 2027 stops, with shore excursions highlighting the country’s history and culture. Easier Regional Travel: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali is urging Caribbean countries to modernise visa processing and improve transport links, saying travel barriers are holding back tourism and partnerships. Tourism Experiences: Trinidad’s new SailClear system is expected to cut yacht entry processing from about four hours to under 15 minutes. At the CTO’s regional youth congress, Anguilla’s Amarni Webster won with a call to develop young talent and expand tourism careers.

New Regional Flights: Contour Airlines’ twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service is now operating, with a 20% discount on World Creole Music Festival passes for eligible passengers. The route also offers connections through Port of Spain to San Juan and St Thomas. Smoother Arrivals: Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj says a new Sail Clear system will cut yacht entry processing from about four hours to under 15 minutes. Travel Access: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean leaders to pursue digital visa processing and stronger regional transport links, arguing that visa delays hinder tourism and partnerships. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected, while a dispute over $1.7 million owed to Pan Trinbago has prompted threats of a boycott. Culture on Show: NALIS has opened its six-night Latin-Ibero American Festival, featuring music, art, literature and cuisine from nine countries.

Regional Air Links: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, adding a convenient option for visitors heading to Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, October 23–25. Travellers booking by October 23 can claim 20% off a festival pass. Travel Access: At the Caribbean tourism conference in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali urged faster digital visa processing, saying lengthy procedures and trips abroad for biometrics are holding back tourism, business and regional partnerships. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected for the October 30–November 1 festival. The returning T&T Spirit fast ferry adds capacity for 8,000 passengers and 1,360 vehicles, while Caribbean Airlines has added seats. Homecoming: Diaspora Homecoming 2026 begins October 15, inviting nationals abroad to reconnect through cultural events, community service and a conference in Trinidad.

Regional Air Links: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, giving travellers a new option for the World Creole Music Festival and other island getaways. Diaspora Homecoming: Trinidad and Tobago’s global family is invited home from October 15 for four days of community service, cultural events and discussion on tourism, investment and national development. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected for the October 30–November 1 festival. The return of the T&T Spirit and extra airline capacity will add transport options, though seats are filling quickly. More Flights to Tobago: Caribbean Airlines’ new Toronto service is being welcomed as a boost for Tobago tourism; the carrier also plans to resume flights to Caracas on October 31. Ferry Safety: Smoke from an electrical issue prompted a brief evacuation aboard the Tobago-bound Golden Carrier, but there were no injuries or damage and the vessel reached Scarborough.

Regional Air Links: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad and Dominica, adding a convenient route for travellers heading to Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, set for October 23–25. Tobago Carnival: More than 60,000 visitors are expected for the October 30–November 1 festival. The return of the T&T Spirit adds capacity for 8,000 passengers and 1,360 vehicles, while Caribbean Airlines has added 7,000 seats amid strong demand. Festival Concern: Pan Trinbago’s Tobago arm says it will boycott Carnival over $1.7 million in unpaid fees and prizes, putting planned steelpan events in doubt. More Air Access: Caribbean Airlines’ new Tobago–Toronto service is expected to boost travel to the island; the airline has also announced plans to resume Caracas flights.

Tobago Carnival Travel Boost: Tobago is expecting over 60,000 visitors for October 30–November 1, with extra airlift and the T&T Spirit fast ferry returning daily from Oct 28–30 and Nov 2–3. Airport Displacement Support: THA will provide 50 housing units for residents displaced by the new Tobago airport, with designs still being completed and meetings planned. On-the-Water Safety Check: A smoke scare aboard the Tobago-bound cargo vessel Golden Carrier led to evacuations in the passenger area, but authorities say it was brought under control with no injuries. New Regional Air Link: Contour Airlines has started twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service, strengthening regional connectivity for travellers and tourism. Local Food Tourism: Tobago’s Lamb Fest at Shaw Park Food Hub showcased lamb dishes and highlighted opportunities to grow a premium local lamb industry for visitors. Tourism Economy Focus: Economist Roger Hosein says T&T needs to boost tourism earnings and labour participation to improve the economy ahead of Budget 2027.

New Air Links: Contour Airlines launches Trinidad–Dominica service today, giving travellers another route and boosting visitor movement between the islands. Tourism Outlook: Economist Roger Hosein says T&T needs to grow tourism earnings and labour participation to get finances back on track ahead of Budget 2027. Airlift for Tobago: Caribbean Airlines adds more seats for Tobago Carnival and announces a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto flight starting Oct 25, plus the resumption of Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31. Local Food & Tourism: Tobago’s Lamb Fest at Shaw Park Food Hub spotlights lamb dishes and encourages value-added local production, with tourists already asking for fresh cuts. Community & Culture: Pan Trinbago threatens to boycott Tobago Carnival over $1.7M in outstanding payments, while the Mighty Sparrow is honoured with memorial services in New York and tributes across the diaspora. Business Support: Three innovation hubs sign the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter to help entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and scale. Travel Safety Note: A driver died after a car plunged into the Cunupia River; a missing woman was also reported after the crash.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will launch a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct 25 (Sundays), and resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31—moves expected to boost winter travel, family visits, and business links. Local Business & Innovation: The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism signed the “Buy Local, Build Trinbago” charter with three innovation hubs (IATT, Founder Institute Caribbean, and La Brea Association for Innovation) to help entrepreneurs commercialise ideas and connect MSMEs to wider markets. Tourism Economy Outlook: Economist Roger Hosein says T&T needs urgent gains in tourism earnings and labour participation to get finances back on a sustainable path ahead of Budget 2027. Tobago Carnival Tension: Pan Trinbago threatens to boycott Tobago Carnival over an outstanding $1.7M debt, citing unpaid balances to steelbands and concerns about performance readiness. Culture & Heritage: The Mighty Sparrow is honoured with memorial services in New York, with T&T reiterating plans for an official state-assisted funeral and national tribute. Food Tourism: Tobago’s Lamb Fest spotlights local lamb dishes and aims to grow a premium meat industry while drawing tourist interest. Travel Planning Note: Road closures are flagged for Caracas Rock 2026, with detours to help visitors plan around the event.

Airlift Boost for Tobago: Caribbean Airlines says it’s adding a weekly non-stop Tobago–Toronto service from Oct 25 (Sundays) and resuming Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31, plus charter flights to Panama—aimed at stronger tourism and business travel ahead of the winter season. Tobago Carnival Pressure: Pan Trinbago will boycott Tobago Carnival over an outstanding $1.7m debt, while the Tobago Festivals Commission says payments are tied to released funds. Eco Tourism Growth: Richmond Eco Park in Tobago expands with new community initiatives, building on its reputation as a scenic, eco-friendly visitor hub. Regional Legal Milestone: The CCJ will hold travelling sittings in Saint Lucia for the first time (Oct 7–8), with public livestream access. Local Safety Alert: Police used a Taser to detain a knife-wielding man who barricaded himself in Malaga’s La Trinidad district. Adventure Spotlight: Gasparillo’s Sharline Haniff makes history by becoming the first Trinidadian woman to summit Umling La on a motorable road in the Himalayas. Sports & Travel Timing: Tobago Carnival travel demand remains strong as CAL sells out initial flights and adds extra seats.