TTAL conducts Tourism Product Audit in Tobago
Posted May 13, 2019
This first phase of the Tourism Product Audit focused on the accommodation components of the tourism product offerings in Tobago and included a database review, direct engagement with service providers, and the collection of data through a Tourism Industry Registry.
TTAL was able to garner pertinent information about the accommodation sector arising from the Tourism Product Audit: it was revealed that Tobago has at least 3,700 rooms, offered by 580 properties. These properties include large hotels and villas, small properties offering bed and breakfast services, as well as a number of self-catering establishments.
The Audit also revealed the degree of digital integration of those properties, and the areas for development needed to optimize Tobago’s tourism accommodation sector to meet the demands of the global travel market.
CEO of the Tobago Tourism Agency, Mr. Louis Lewis, stated, “With the completion of the first phase of our Tourism Product Audit, the Agency is now in a better position to work with Tobago’s accommodation associations and tourism property owners to match potential market demand with accommodation offerings.
We intend to take a developmental and collaborative approach with our stakeholders to close the gaps identified in the Audit, and attain greater market alignment with competitive marketing strategies.”
The CEO also noted that a key element in these development efforts will be the attainment of tourism standards certification, which is another initiative being piloted by the Agency in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, through the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Certification (TTTIC) programme.
TTTIC provides assurance to visitors that tourism operators and their businesses meet standards of minimum requirements related to a product or service. This includes standards related to quality, infrastructure, regulations, and health and safety.
The Tobago Tourism Agency will continue the Tourism Product Audit with focus on other key areas of the tourism industry, including sites and attractions, events and festivals, and natural resources.
The research will provide the evidence base for a more detailed strategy and plan for improving the tourism product on the island in alignment with the new ‘Go to Market’ strategy established by the Agency.