Press Release

TDC and Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards sign Tourism Industry Certification MOU

The Tourism Development Company Ltd (TDC) and Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) recently signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the implementation of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification (TTTIC).
Signed on March 20, 2009, the MOU reflects a partnership and commitment to the development of the local tourism industry. Introduced in 2001 as a national quality assurance tool for the tourism industry, TTTIC is jointly executed by the TDC, TTBS and the Department of Tourism and Transport of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
The programme is aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism product through the implementation of national tourism standards and codes of practice covering a variety of industry related products and services.
TTTIC currently embraces Tour Guides, Tour Operators, Short Term Motor Vehicle Rental Operations, Tourist Land Transport Service Providers, Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering Facilities.
Sensitization seminars are now being held with stakeholders – seminars for accommodation providers were held on June 9th and 10th – to inform them of the certification and audit process and the role of TDC and TTBS in the execution of TTTIC.
Local stakeholders are being encouraged to participate in the programme, which will strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism product by enhancing the capacity of local tourism operators to provide high quality service, while increasing their competitiveness in local, regional and international markets.
About the TTTIC Programme
The Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification programme (pronounced T-Tick) is the process by which an independent body gives written assurance that a tourism operator conforms to specified requirements, which are contained in the relevant National Standard.
TTTIC is intended to improve and standardise the quality of this country’s tourism products and services. It also provides assurance to foreign and domestic tourists that Certified Tourism Operators have achieved minimum acceptable levels of service. Products or services carrying the TTTIC mark are assessed against the national quality benchmark, thus providing value for money and an enhanced visitor experience.
To promote this unique programme to potential visitors, the TDC is engaged in an international marketing campaign to support the TTTIC brand utilising Trinidad and Tobago’s overseas marketing representatives and travel agents.