TTAL and CARPHA Strengthen Tobago's Tourism Product Through Advanced Safety Training
Posted Feb 02, 2026
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), in partnership with the Caribbean Public Health Association (CARPHA), recently hosted an Advanced Food Safety Training workshop at Mount Irvine Bay Resort, aimed at strengthening food safety standards across Tobago's tourism and hospitality sector.
The multi-day training programme brought together tourism and hospitality stakeholders from across the island, reinforcing TTAL’s ongoing mandate to build industry capacity while enhancing the quality and safety of the visitor experience.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of TTAL, Mrs. Sandra Orr-Toney, underscored the critical role food safety plays in destination competitiveness and visitor confidence.
“Food safety is fundamental to destination quality, brand reputation, and visitor confidence. Even a single foodborne illness incident can have far-reaching consequences for businesses, communities, and national tourism industries. Ensuring that our culinary experiences are not only memorable, but safe, is a shared responsibility and a strategic priority for Tobago’s tourism sector.”
The training focused on internationally recognised food safety principles, including hygiene management, hazard prevention, safe food handling, and sanitation practices. Participants engaged in in-depth, practical sessions designed to strengthen both operational knowledge and managerial oversight within food service environments.
The programme concluded with a formal examination, providing participants the opportunity to earn ServSafe certification—an internationally recognised credential that signals excellence in food safety management and aligns Tobago’s hospitality sector with global best practices.
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, the initiative was positioned as a strategic investment in professional development and long-term industry resilience.
“This programme goes beyond compliance. It strengthens professional standards, builds managerial capacity, and supports a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the tourism and hotel industry. By investing in training and standards at this level, we are investing in safer establishments, stronger businesses, and a more resilient destination aligned with international best practices.”
For many participants, attaining ServSafe certification represents a significant professional milestone, enhancing both individual credibility and the overall competitiveness of Tobago’s tourism product on the international stage.
Through its partnership with CARPHA, TTAL continues to prioritise initiatives that safeguard public health, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and support sustainable tourism development. Programmes such as this reaffirm Tobago’s commitment to quality, professionalism, and delivering visitor experiences that meet the highest international standards.
TTAL also expressed appreciation to all industry partners and participants whose engagement and commitment contributed to the success of the training initiative, reinforcing a shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more resilient tourism sector for Tobago and, by extension, Trinidad and Tobago.