Press Release

Tourism Minister Returns from Successful Mission at WTM

Minister of Tourism the Honourable Dr Rupert Griffith returns to Trinidad and Tobago this weekend following a successful mission to promote this country’s diverse tourism offerings at World Travel Market (WTM) which kicked off on November 7th at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London.

The Tourism Minister, who held talks with specialist tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, British tourism officials and international media, led a high powered delegation to WTM, which included local designer and Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung-Chee and local sport icons Brian Lara and Dwight Yorke.

Other members of the delegation included Tobago House of Assembly Secretary for Tourism and Transportation Oswald Williams; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Melba Dedier; Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Company Sandra Perkins and representatives of local tourism associations, hotels, tour operators and destination management companies.

Another major highlight was Trinidad and Tobago’s dual-level booth which proved a popular stop for visitors and served as a staging point for members of the delegation to meet with consumers and members of the travel trade.

The booth, which captured the vibrant spirit of our nation with large images showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural, ethnic and natural diversity, also featured live cultural performances, displays of local fashion and promotions, all aimed at increasing awareness of the destination among consumers.

In addition to building the visibility of brand Trinidad and Tobago, WTM provided tourism officials with an opportunity to fulfil major strategic objectives including:

• The protection of Trinidad and Tobago’s existing airlift, while seeking to increase flights to the destination
• Support of existing trade partners and building new relationships in key niches
• Aggressive promotion of Trinidad and Tobago’s core niche markets including eco-soft adventure, bird watching, dive and weddings and honeymoons
• Highlighting national tourism initiatives and attractions