AGP Executive Report

Tobago Airport Upgrade: The Tobago House of Assembly is investing $10M to outfit the new ANR International Airport terminal, aiming to turn the “blank” space into a culture-filled gateway for visitors. Marine Park Rules: THA is consulting with Buccoo Reef Marine Park reef tour operators on new regulations after a jet-ski ban and court action, with operators pushing for workable rules and user fees. Tourism & Sports Pipeline: A 215-member T&T delegation (145 athletes, 70 officials/support) has been ratified for the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo, spanning 28 disciplines—good momentum for regional travel and fan interest. Regional Energy Cooperation: Guyana and Jamaica will set up an energy working group, adding to cooperation already covering tourism and other sectors across CARICOM. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a national relief drive for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with public-private collection starting June 29 at Point Lisas and municipal collection points. Community & Culture: A Trini teacher and calypsonian, Mrs Universe T&T Innis Francis, is stepping into a new role carrying hopes for the nation.

Humanitarian Response: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a coordinated national relief drive for earthquake-stricken Venezuela, with public-private support and a collection push starting Monday June 29 (8am–4pm) at municipal locations and supermarkets, plus donations directed to Port of Point Lisas warehouses. Consular Update: Officials say four Trinis were in Venezuela for a sporting activity when the quakes hit, and efforts are underway to arrange temporary accommodation and the earliest safe return home. Business & Tourism Boost: The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce launched the 2026 Champions of Business Awards, urging firms to modernise and compete internationally—an angle that matters for visitor-facing services. Tobago Budget Pressure: Tobago’s THA Chief Secretary signalled possible hiring freezes as the wage bill dominates the 2026/27 budget request, while tourism plans include attracting boutique hotel investors. Travel Inspiration: Brown Girl Tours spotlights curated, personal Trinidad experiences, while Aman at Sea opened booking for Amangati’s first Caribbean voyages calling at Antigua and other Antilles ports.

Earthquake Relief & Travel Safety: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged Trinidad and Tobago’s humanitarian support to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela after two major quakes, while the Foreign Affairs ministry confirmed no reports of T&T nationals killed or injured and arranged temporary accommodation and safe travel for four athletes and guardians. Disaster Planning for the Region: Minister Rawdon Turner and NODS Director Sherrod James will represent T&T at a CDEMA Council of Ministers meeting in Trinidad focused on disaster preparedness and resilience. Tobago Tourism & Jobs: Tobago’s THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the administration may eventually freeze all hiring, citing a heavy wage bill, even as tourism plans include attracting investors for boutique hotels. Caribbean Cruise Buzz: Aman at Sea opened Amangati’s first Caribbean voyages—five to eight-night autumn itineraries calling at Antigua and other Antilles ports from late 2027 into early 2028. Local Community & Nature: Hunters Search and Rescue and partners hosted a beach clean-up at Indian Bay, Guayaguayare, Mayaro, continuing conservation work across coastal spaces. Business & Visitor Economy: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj urged local businesses to modernise and scale internationally as the T&T Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards 2026 launch kicks off. Culture-Led Tourism: Brown Girl Tours spotlights curated, personal Trinidad experiences, while a Harvard graduate is leaving a pan legacy by preparing for further music studies in Spain. Security & Tourism Mood: Police say robbers used a backhoe in a botched ATM heist that went viral as “Batman” memes—another reminder of why visitor safety messaging matters.

Earthquake Response for Travellers: Trinidad and Tobago says four nationals in quake-hit Venezuela are safe; the embassy in Caracas reports only superficial damage to its chancery, but road closures are blocking access, while Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers activates consular support to arrange temporary accommodation and the earliest safe return. Tourism Experiences: Brown Girl Tours spotlights curated, personal Trinidad and Tobago experiences, while Tobago’s Junior Tourism leadership is in focus as Jolé St. John prepares to hand over the Junior Tourism Secretary role. Business & Tourism Growth: Trade Minister Satyakama Maharaj urges local businesses to modernise and scale internationally as the T&T Chamber launches its 2026 Champions of Business Awards, including a new regional export category. Regional Travel Watch: UK Home Office reporting again puts T&T’s gang landscape in the spotlight, a reminder for visitors to stay alert and plan carefully. Safety & Crime Headlines: Police investigate a botched ATM heist in Tobago involving a backhoe and a Batman-masked suspect, which quickly went viral.

Regional Air Cargo Boost: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Argyle International Airport says Executive Air has launched a new air cargo service to strengthen aviation links and help tourism, hospitality, farmers and exporters move goods faster across the Caribbean. Arts & Culture Night: Trinidad Art Night returns Saturday, June 27 (5–8 p.m., with some variations) with live music, painting demos, exhibitions, wine pours and community fundraising for the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Tobago Heist Goes Viral: Police in Tobago are searching for suspects after a backhoe attempt to steal an ATM in Plymouth ended in a failed, meme-worthy “Batman” moment when the equipment broke. Missing Businessman: A renewed search continues for Kelvin Samaroo, last seen Friday night in San Fernando; CCTV and vehicle details are being reviewed as family pleads for safe return. UK Gangs Report: A UK Home Office note estimates 180+ gangs operating in T&T, sparking debate over how the information should be read and its impact on travel and perceptions. Luxury Cruise Planning: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov 21, 2027–Jan 2, 2028), with short, intimate itineraries across the Leeward, Windward and Dutch Caribbean. Tobago Tourism Budget Talk: Business leaders react to the THA’s $4.12B budget, calling it a “light at the end of the tunnel” while stressing visitor capacity and construction delivery. Earthquake Alert: A strong earthquake off Venezuela triggered tsunami warnings for parts of the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago among those who felt the tremors.

Aviation & Tourism Planning: Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season—five- to eight-night voyages running Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028—threading the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and the Dutch Caribbean with cultural, culinary and naturalist-led shore experiences. Safety & Crime Watch: Police are investigating a failed “movie-style” Tobago cash-machine robbery where suspects used a backhoe but botched the getaway; the viral footage even spawned Batman-style memes. Travel Disruption & Community Impact: Search continues for missing Trinidad businessman Kelvin Samaroo after his vehicle was found abandoned in Barrackpore. UK Policy & Visitor Flow: A UK report says more than 180 gangs operate in Trinidad and Tobago, while new UK guidance outlines asylum categories for people opposing gangs—both likely to affect how the country is viewed by travellers. Regional Tourism Economy: Cuba announced sweeping free-market reforms (including 100% foreign ownership for new tourism projects) aimed at reviving its tourism sector. Tobago Budget & Tourism Capacity: Tobago’s Chamber calls THA’s $4.12B budget a “light at the end of the tunnel,” but urges faster construction and better visitor accommodation as new airlift plans come online.

Tobago Tourism & Air Access: Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is pushing a record $4.12B budget for fiscal 2027, with tourism flagged as a key driver and new direct flights from Toronto, Miami and Guyana expected to boost visitor numbers as the ANR Robinson airport terminal ramps up. Local Governance & Delivery: Former finance minister Brian Manning says THA is entitled to seek funding, but final allocations must weigh the wider national budget reality—so the big question is whether Tobago can deliver tangible results. Caribbean Travel Context: A new report highlights why the Caribbean still struggles with imported energy despite renewable potential, a reminder that higher energy costs can hit tourism operations and household spending. Regional Tourism Watch: Cuba announced sweeping 176 free-market reforms aimed at revitalising tourism, including 100% foreign ownership for new projects and changes to banking and private hotel/experience operations—potentially reshaping competition across the region. Safety & Travel Planning: A U.S. travel-alert-style piece points travellers to “on-the-ground” safety checks, while UK guidance on T&T asylum claims continues to shape how the country is viewed abroad. Sports Tourism Buzz: Trinidad and Tobago’s men beat the USA 5-3 in a beach soccer friendly in Venice Beach, adding to the island’s growing sports-travel appeal.

Tobago Tourism Push: Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is seeking a record $4.12 billion for fiscal 2027, with tourism flagged as a key pillar in a results-based governance plan. Direct Flight Boost: THA says new direct routes are coming soon, including Toronto–Tobago and possible Miami–Tobago and Ogle (Guyana)–Tobago, aimed at bringing more visitors as the airport terminal ramps up. Community Tourism Plan: The THA budget also backs a $105.2 million investment to expand community tourism, keeping spend circulating locally and targeting eco-conscious, culturally aware travellers. Regional Competition Policy: Trinidad and Tobago’s Fair Trading Commission is engaging the private sector to strengthen competition policy, with business leaders discussing fair markets and consumer value. Caribbean Travel Context (Cuba): Cuba is rolling out 176 free-market reforms to revive tourism, including 100% foreign ownership for new projects—an important signal for regional travel and investment. Safety & Travel Planning: A U.S. advisory-based roundup highlights which Caribbean islands are considered safest for summer travel.

Hotel Deals: IHG launched a 25%–30% “Destinations Deals” sale for select properties, with stays June 29–Aug 9, 2026 (book by June 28), including flexible-rate options for many brands across the Caribbean and the Americas. Air Access for Tobago: Tobago House of Assembly says direct flights are expected to ramp up next month, with Caribbean Airlines routes from Toronto and talks on Ogle (Guyana) and Miami to Tobago. Tobago Budget Push: THA is seeking a record $4.12B for fiscal 2027, with tourism and community tourism highlighted in a results-based plan, plus a $50M allocation for the Tobago Tourism Agency. Tourism Strategy: THA’s $105.2M community tourism investment aims to build a sustainable, certified product that keeps visitor spend circulating locally. Foreign Investment Interest: Planning Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says Campari Group is exploring investment in T&T, with discussions including eco-tourism, real estate, and a regional retail hub. Competition & Markets: The Fair Trading Commission held stakeholder talks on competition policy—aimed at stronger, more resilient markets that support consumers and MSMEs. Culture & Travel Inspiration: Dexter Browne’s new coffee-table book “Hauntingly Beautiful Women” spotlights T&T beauty on a global stage, including a first-ever shoot featuring three T&T beauty queens together.

Tobago Budget & Tourism Pressure: The THA is asking for a $4.12bn fiscal 2027 budget, with tourism, festivals and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited among the listed priorities—but Tobago’s hotel and tourism leaders say the island’s tourism is “extremely dead,” pointing to stalled hotel operations, weak air links, and the need for a long-requested loan guarantee. Inter-Island Travel Disruption: Galleons Passage left Tobagonians stranded after a nine-hour ferry ordeal on June 17, with engine issues slowing the crossing and passengers reporting hunger and illness while waiting to dock. Competition Policy for Business: The Fair Trading Commission held a stakeholder session on competition policy, stressing fair markets, consumer choice, and support for MSMEs—key themes for tourism-linked small businesses. Local Tourism & Culture Picks Up: Brasso Seco is gearing up for its Village Bazaar on July 4, aiming to draw visitors with rural culture, food and parang—plus calls for urgent road repairs. Tourism Skills Spotlight: TIATT’s Flame and Spirit Competition at the Cascadia Hotel showcased local culinary and mixology talent, pushing renewed interest in hospitality careers. Safety Alert for Visitors: The U.S. State Department issued updated travel warnings for Trinidad and Tobago amid an extended state of emergency tied to violent crime, advising Americans to expect heightened security presence.

Tobago Tourism Pressure: Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association head Reginald MacLean says the island’s tourism is “extremely dead,” citing decades of stagnation, falling visitor numbers, and the need to reopen major hotels plus secure a long-requested loan guarantee ahead of today’s THA budget. Transport Pain Point: Tobagonians report a nine-hour ferry ordeal after Galleons Passage’s crossing from Port of Spain to Scarborough ran far longer than expected, leaving passengers hungry and delayed at sea. Tourism Safety Spotlight: A U.S. travel alert warns Americans about Trinidad and Tobago amid a crime-related State of Emergency extension, flagging heightened police and military presence. Local Crime Impact: In Pleasantville, a 73-year-old mother watched as her son was chased and shot dead; in Arima, a businessman was found dead at home after a male visitor was seen leaving post-midnight. Culture & Community: TIATT’s Flame and Spirit Competition at the Cascadia Hotel spotlights local culinary and hospitality talent, aiming to reignite interest in careers as training gaps persist. Regional Travel Idea: CARICOM nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, are exploring a single regional visa to boost tourism—though costs and airfares remain concerns.

Tobago Travel Disruption: Tobagonians faced a nine-hour ferry ordeal after Galleons Passage’s Trinidad–Tobago crossing ran double its usual time, with passengers reporting slow docking, cafeteria shutdowns, hunger and illness. Tourism & Investment Push: Planning Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh says European firms are showing confidence in T&T, citing meetings with Campari Group on eco-tourism, real estate and a regional retail hub. Airlift/Safety Context for Visitors: The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Trinidad and Tobago tied to a crime-related State of Emergency, warning of heightened police and military presence. Tourism Industry Pressure: STAOTT leaders are urging urgent action ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review, pointing to declining arrivals, weak marketing, airlift issues, crime perceptions and tourism infrastructure gaps. Local Events & Culture: TIATT’s Flame and Spirit Competition at the Cascadia Hotel spotlighted local culinary and cocktail talent, while Brasso Seco’s Village Bazaar (July 4) aims to draw visitors and renew calls for road repairs. Sports Tourism: T&T beach soccer teams return for a historic doubleheader against the USA at Venice Beach. Community Safety: HSRT reports fewer missing teenage girls so far this year, but expects an uptick after CSEC exams end June 19.

Tobago Ferry Disruption: Tobagonians faced a nine-hour ordeal after the Galleons Passage crossing ran far behind schedule, with passengers reporting slow travel, late docking, and onboard issues that left children and elderly feeling unwell. Safety & Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Trinidad and Tobago, citing the country’s extended crime-related State of Emergency and advising visitors to expect heightened police and military presence. Airport Update (Tobago): Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal has a planned opening date and that THA will help concessionaires with booth build-outs while pushing back against steep fees. Tourism Push (Local): Tourism leaders are calling for urgent action ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review, pointing to weak visitor arrivals, marketing gaps, airlift challenges, and infrastructure needs—especially for small accommodation operators. Beach Sports Spotlight: Trinidad and Tobago’s beach soccer teams are set for a historic doubleheader against the USA at Venice Beach. Labour Day Lens: Labour Day coverage renewed focus on protecting workers’ rights and fair wages—an angle that matters for tourism jobs and hospitality stability. Culture & Hospitality: TIATT’s Flame and Spirit Competition showcased local culinary and cocktail talent, aiming to reignite interest in hospitality careers.

Beach Access & Rights: A Caribbean-wide debate is heating up over how foreign-owned beachfront projects can restrict real access to public beaches, even where the law says beaches are public—raising calls for community pathways and stronger protections. Regional Tourism Vision: CARICOM countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, are exploring a single regional visa to boost travel, but concerns remain about airfares and the cost of marketing the plan. Tourism Under Pressure: STAOTT says Trinidad and Tobago’s visitor arrivals are slipping due to weak marketing, airlift gaps, crime perceptions, and tourism infrastructure issues—urging urgent action ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review. Tobago Airport Update: THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal has a planned opening date, with THA pushing back against “punitive” rental fees for concessionaires. Aviation Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will add daily non-stop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, strengthening North America links for Guyana tourism and trade. Labour Day & Tourism Workforce: NATUC and PM Kamla Per­sad-Bissessar both mark Labour Day with renewed focus on workers’ rights and fair wages—key for keeping tourism services staffed and stable. Sargassum to Value: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen backs sargassum harvesting as a “waste-to-wealth” opportunity for coastal communities, with equipment handed over in Mayaro and Sangre Grande. Police & Mental Health: Police leadership highlights officer burnout and mental health needs, as TTPS faces scrutiny around staffing pressures and recent incidents.

Police & Safety: Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander praised Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro’s first year, citing police help during a maxi-taxi strike, while also saying a probe will follow the suicide of corporal Yohanis Joseph and acknowledging mental-health pressures in the force. Tourism Policy: Trinidad and Tobago tourism leaders are calling for urgent action ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review, pointing to weak marketing, airlift limits, crime perceptions, and strain on small accommodation operators. Regional Travel: CARICOM’s single-visa idea is back on the table, with Saint Lucia, Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago among those exploring it—though costs and airfares remain sticking points. Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will add daily non-stop Toronto–Georgetown flights from July 1, boosting summer travel links for business, leisure and family visits. Tobago Tourism Investment: The Tobago Business Chamber urges the THA to prioritize tourism and construction investment in its 2026/27 budget request. Local Environment & Tourism Economy: Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen pushes sargassum “waste-to-wealth” projects, including skincare and potential fertiliser uses, to support coastal communities. Sports Tourism: Trinidad & Tobago’s beach volleyball and regional events keep drawing athletes abroad, with local representation highlighted in NORCECA action. Labour Day: NATUC and PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar mark Labour Day with renewed calls for fair wages, workers’ rights and social justice—key issues for tourism jobs and visitor service quality.

Tobago Tourism & Infrastructure: The Tobago House of Assembly budget push is drawing attention from the Tobago business community, with the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce urging THA to prioritise tourism and construction investment to help revive a sluggish local economy. Inter-island Travel Disruption: Travellers endured a nine-hour ferry ordeal to Tobago after the Galleons Passage’s trip ran far longer than usual, with passengers reporting delays and illness during the extended crossing. Tourism Governance Watch: Trinidad city officials are considering tougher action on vacant properties and rethinking lodging tax funding and oversight—moves that could shape the visitor experience and how tourism dollars are used. Labour Day & Visitor Economy: As Trinidad and Tobago marks Labour Day, NATUC and the Prime Minister both renewed focus on workers’ rights and fair wages—issues that can directly affect service quality in hospitality and tourism. Regional Travel Links: Caribbean Airlines announced daily non-stop flights between Toronto and Georgetown (Guyana) from July 1, boosting connectivity for business and leisure travel across the region. Sustainability Angle: Rural development efforts continue with plans to turn sargassum into products and value for coastal communities.