More tourists coming from Germany, Austria and Holland

TRINIDAD AND Tobago has signed agreements with two airlines to fly direct to Tobago, as part of the new thrust toward making that island one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. The agreements were signed during a visit by Tourism Minister Howard Chin Lee to Berlin for the the largest travel show in Europe. The Minister was accompanied by members of TIDCO and Neil Wilson, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago. “We have confirmed and signed an agreement with Air Lauder to begin flying in October from Austria to Tobago  once a week. We also signed with Condor Airlines to fly from Frankfurt to Tobago twice a week from the winter season,” Chin Lee revealed.

Trinidad and Tobago is expected to benefit from increased tourist arrivals from Germany, up from 7,000 last year to 12,000. The new agreements are expected to help the island surpass Barbados in terms of tourist arrivals. Chin Lee said this country is very close to signing a deal with Martin Air of Holland for direct flights to Tobago from October. “We anticipate a record year for tourist arrivals,” said Minister Chin Lee. The Berlin travel show attracts hotel owners, airlines and all those involved in tourism. Chin Lee told Newsday the trip was very successful and many tour operators visited the Trinidad and Tobago booth. A limbo troupe and steelband entertained visitors to the Trinidad and Tobago booth, and the country’s attractions were expertly displayed. “We have made reasonable progress in building a greater capacity in our airlift to the destinations, and I have also recognised personally the great potential for increased arrivals,” he said.