Tourism Park a big success

“The majority of the visitors to the park have been from summer camps and we have also seen a lot of families,” Marsha Victor of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) said on Friday. “The children have really enjoyed the rock climbing wall and all the animals that are on display here. They were also very excited to get first hand interactions with the snakes which were provided on behalf of the Emperor Valley Zoo.”

On entering the park, patrons were treated to a three-minute presentation on all that the park offers. They were also given a short security briefing by officials to ensure the safety of the younger patrons.

The park, which was designed to encourage patrons to “Explore the seven Wonders of TT” featured an indoor rock climbing wall; a visual reproduction of a waterfall, swampland and bamboo forests; a live marine exhibit and real-life replicas of popular sites across Trinidad and Tobago including the Gasparee Caves and Pigeon Point in Tobago. There were representations of folklore characters like Papa Bois, pictorial representations of old and new Port-of-Spain, large representations of our national festivals and booths with information on sport tourism as well as careers in tourism.

Videos, brochures and large pictorial displays accompanied by sounds of the natural environment as well as the several TDC representatives stationed all over the park contributed to making it an unforgettable, educational experience for all.

Since its inception in 2004, the Tourism Park has aimed to provide the public with tourism-focused, interactive experiences such as the opportunity to interact with live animals. Patrons also have the opportunity to learn from on site tour guides as well as view fun and educational videos within the highly entertaining atmosphere. The park, which opened on August 18, closed yesterday. However, TDC and the Ministry of Tourism have pledged to continue with their local tourism awareness campaign and many of the tours that were being offered via the park will continue to be available to those who want the adventure.