Take new look at tourism policy

May I respectfully ask what is the specifically identified issue with tourism in TT that needs to be addressed and enquire how does dissolution of the TDC and reconstitution of not one but two new entities resolve that specific issue? Since the announcement, the popularly expressed position is that because there are two products to be marketed, one associated with Tobago and the other with Trinidad, there is a definite need for two distinct entities. Now evidently this notion cannot be supported; such a principle would have resulted in an infinite number of marketing entities globally.

Even if we were to concede the product differentiation issue, there must be a national vision for the industry and this begs the question: Would two separate entities provide for more efficient coherence in the long term? At this point the decision appears to be counterproductive.

Interestingly, on a TV programme last week, it was suggested that an overarching agency may be required to have coherence and coordination with national interests.

It is within this context that I ask that a second look be taken with respect to our national tourism policy.

Perhaps a review of the current decision in our national interest may be appropriate. We may well discover that the two products are not mutually exclusive but may indeed be mutually complementary.

Samuel B Howard Maracas-St Joseph