TTAL Awards Over $1M in TAUP and TARG Payments for Property Upgrades across Tobago’s Accommodation Sector

Posted May 29, 2025

On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) celebrated the remarkable efforts of sixteen (16) tourist accommodation properties across the island, presenting financial reimbursements and grant payments totalling $1,047,856.24. These payments were made under the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP) and Phase 2 of the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant (Phase 2 TARG) programme—underscoring TTAL’s continued commitment to elevating Tobago’s tourism industry and delivering experiences that go Beyond Ordinary. 

The Cabinet-approved TAUP incentive offers partial reimbursement grants to eligible accommodation providers in Trinidad and Tobago for property upgrades. In Tobago, the initiative is administered by TTAL and has been pivotal in enhancing the quality of guest experiences, strengthening the island’s hospitality infrastructure, and improving the overall competitiveness and resilience of the sector. Phase 2 of the TARG programme, which was also designed to financially support tourism accommodation facilities in Tobago, has also been instrumental in strengthening the sector. 

During a special ceremony honouring the recipients, Chairman of the TTAL Board of Directors, Mrs. Dalia Jerry, praised the dedication of each participating property and acknowledged their commitment to maintaining high standards of service and hospitality. The sixteen properties recognised were Beverly's Oasis Suites, Bananaquit, JG's Tropical Apartments, Castlewhite Hotel, Plantation Beach Villas, The Villas at Stonehaven, Sunshine Holiday Apartments, Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort, Arnos Vale Vacation Apartments, Hibiscus Heights, Adventure Eco Villas, House in the Mountain, Villa Being, Philomat's Guesthouse, Cool Runnings Holiday Apartments and Ribiero’s Holiday Apartments. 
Mrs. Jerry also extended her gratitude to the accommodation providers for their steadfast contributions to Tobago’s tourism growth, while reaffirming TTAL’s continued focus on enhanced stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and training in the year ahead. 

Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation (DOTCAT), Councillor Tashia Grace Burris, echoed this vision while bringing remarks at the ceremony, noting the intrinsic link between quality infrastructure and empowered stakeholders in shaping the Tobago experience. 

“Tobago has sun, sand and sea, and everything else that other tourism destinations have, but what will differentiate us from everyone else is the level of service and experience that we offer.” 

She added: 

“Although TTAL has responsibility for destination marketing and branding, there is a lot more that we have to be able to do. We have to be the ones to go out there and sell the product, but it has to be of a high quality and standard. So, it’s not just about upgrading your four walls or replacing linens, furniture and fixtures. But investing in people.” 

Councillor Burris encouraged all recipients to maintain momentum and focus, noting the THA’s continued commitment to capacity building as a critical investment in the future of the island’s tourism. 
This latest round of disbursements marks a significant milestone for the Agency in providing support to its stakeholders, with the remaining payments expected before the end of the fiscal year. 

 

Strengthening Stakeholder Resilience Through Strategic Partnerships 
Looking ahead, TTAL is advancing several key initiatives to deepen support for Tobago’s tourism stakeholders. Among them is a new partnership with the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), which will offer free financial planning training to small tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. This collaboration was sparked by UTC’s impactful presentation at TTAL’s inaugural Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing – HER Forum—an event dedicated to celebrating and empowering businesswomen and entrepreneurs across Tobago’s dynamic tourism and hospitality sector. Building on the momentum of that engagement which was hosting for International’s Women’s Day in March, the partnership aims to equip a broader cross-section of the tourism community with the tools and knowledge to strengthen financial resilience and long-term sustainability. Through initiatives like these, TTAL continues to invest in people, foster meaningful collaborations, and shape a tourism experience that is truly Beyond Ordinary. 

Themed Build, Grow, Thrive: Smart Investment for Small Business Growth, the FREE UTC webinar is carded for Tuesday 17 June, 2025 and further details will be announced on TTAL’s social media channels.