The Tobago House of Assembly's (THA) Division of Tourism and Transportation has increased its flight and sailing capacity to the island for the 2014 Tobago Jazz Experience from April 19-27.Caribbean Airlines and the Port Authority have agreed to increase flights and sailings by 200 and 80, respectively.
During the launch of the event at Paprika Bar and Restaurant, St Clair, on Wednesday, senior marketing manager at Caribbean Airlines Alicia Cabrera told the T&T Guardian the airline was confident the flights would be filled, as bookings already have been made and continue to come in for the additional flights.Event co-ordinator for the festival John Arnold said they were anticipating 10,000 visitors to the island, 2,000 more than last year.
Major international acts scheduled to perform include as headliner nine-time Grammy Award winner John Legend, singer/actress Brandy Norwood, R&B songstress Keisha Cole and veteran band Earth, Wind and Fire.Arnold said the THA and key stakeholders had embarked on major marketing strategies to up the standard and image of the event and encourage visitors to the island while also promoting the destination. Some of the strategies include early-bird specials which will target both local and international fans.
He said rebranding the event as the Tobago Jazz Experience was also important as the occasion is also about the culture, heritage, fashion and cuisine that is Tobago."Visitors do not only come to Tobago for the event, they come for an experience and that is what we intend on giving them," Arnold said.In November, the THA also launched the festival at one of the biggest UK events for the global travel industry, World Travel Market (WTM). Arnold said already, through that medium, they had gained new visitors to the island.
Asked if he felt the festival supported the local creative industry, Arnold said it most certainly did and part of the whole rebranding of the event is to have more local acts included in the line-up.He added: "Since 2011 we have been including local performers in the event. As a matter of fact, part of the strategy is that we use Youtube, CD and DVD submissions by artistes and we also host a live audition, from which we choose performers for the event.
"Right now we have applications from Hungary, Ukraine, Jerusalem, Latin America and many from local artistes, even the more established ones who say they just want to be part of the experience."Besides that, at the Tobago Jazz Experience, locals get the opportunity to showcase the cuisine art and craft, etc. It creates a space for them too. So yes, I believe it most definitely promotes the creative industry in T&T."
Tickets for the 2014 Tobago Jazz Experience go on sale from January at $500 or US$90 and US$150 for VIP.
For more information, visit the Facebook page by typing in Tobago Jazz Experience or follow them on Twitter@ TobagoJazzExperience. See more also at www.tobagojazzexperience.com