Chin Lee: More money for tourism

TOURISM Minister, Howard Chin Lee has assured stakeholders in the tourism industry that more funds will be made available. He gave this assurance in response to calls for more financial resources for data collection at a breakfast seminar hosted by TIDCO at the Hotel Normandie yesterday. The seminar focused on recent research findings on the impact of tourism on TT’s economy. Following presentation of the findings by Sharifa Ali-Abdullah, Manager, Economic Intelligence Unit, TIDCO, participants called for more detailed information, particularly from smaller operators in the sector. William Aguiton, former General Manger of the Hilton Trinidad, said some smaller boarding houses and hotels felt their data on occupancy rate should “still be kept confidential”.

He suggested that government allocate a grant for creating a more effective means of collecting data, and that a team be established to work with TIDCO on compiling data. Aguiton said there was a great need to “extract consistent, accurate information.” Other stakeholders supported Aguiton, stressing that TIDCO should be allowed to collect all types of data on tourism, with verification from the Central Statistical Office (CSO). It was also suggested that several ministries collaborate to enhance the country as a viable tourism product. Ali-Abdullah said there was a perception that the sector was not “critical” and the CSO did not have the resources to handle the task. She said the CSO needed to get more staff and resources. She pointed out that TIDCO was not mandated to do data collection and can only do so if the political mandate is given. However, she said, TIDCO usually worked hand in hand with the CSO.

Minister Chin Lee said over the last six months he had been coping with a battle which he promised to win. He acknowledged that as a “navigator steering the course” he needed the required information and data. The Minister assured that additional resources would be provided and called on all stakeholders to work together. Chin Lee said a Note will soon be taken to Cabinet to set up a steering committee of representatives of Ministries and the private sector to assist in tourism. He said several initiatives have already been put in place, including the revised Tourism Development Act, which will be taken to Parliament within the next two months; an increase in international flights by Condor, Virgin Atlantic; the introduction of two new services to Tobago by Lauder and Martin Airlines; and a marketing forum to be held in Tobago in July.

Chin Lee said Trinidad and Tobago are being marketed separately as business and leisure tourism destinations and already visitor arrivals on the sister isle had increased by 75-85 percent over last year. The Minister said visitor arrivals are expected surpass the 100,000 figure for this year. Last year Cabinet approved a $305 Tourism Rolling Plan which will be carried out over three years.