Caribbean Airlines staged a special event to warmly welcome arriving visitors at the Piarco International Airport, on Wednesday, February 19 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The event was staged in collaboration with Tourism Trinidad Limited, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) and the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, among other stakeholders.
Arriving visitors were treated to musical performances by KI and the National Junior Soca Monarch Sergio Camejo, as well as live entertainment by Caribbean Airlines’ Skiffle. The ever popular Jerome “Rome” Precilla provided emcee services.
Other special treats for the visitors were traditional Carnival characters, sampling complimentary local cuisine, Carnival care-packages. In addition, three visitors won airline tickets to after-Carnival cool down festivities courtesy Caribbean Airlines.
Caribbean Airlines says during the two-week period leading up to and after Carnival, the airline will operate over 271 international and regional flights, bringing close to 30,000 passengers into Port-of-Spain.
Commenting on the event, Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera stated the intention was to welcome visitors, as well as returning nationals, to “the greatest street party in the world”.
“This is the sixth year our airport event is happening,” he noted. “It is now an integral part of our customer experience as we share the essence of this amazing festival with the World.”
(From left to right): Executive Manager Marketing and Loyalty Caribbean Airlines, Mrs. Alicia Cabrera; CEO Caribbean Airlines, Mr. Garvin Medera; CEO (Ag.) Tourism Trinidad Heidi Alert; Caribbean Airlines Pilot Captain Marcus Montano; Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Corporate Communications Manager, Zola Joseph.
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES
Minister of Tourism, Randall Mitchell, said the welcome ceremony for international visitors gives them a positive and lasting impression of Trinidad and Tobago, and it is critical that airport experience is always a memorable and enjoyable one.
“We are really excited to continue our partnership with our national airline, Caribbean Airlines, and other stakeholders to welcome our international visitors during our national festival of Carnival,” the minister said. “Festivals and events have been identified as key to increasing the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Trinidad and Tobago and to continue the momentum that has been created by Carnival. They promote our beautiful island, driving tourism visitors, which supports local jobs.
He added: “For our part, Government recognises that tourism plays a vital role in shaping the international perception of our country.”
And General Manager of Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Hayden Newtown, pointed out that airports play a significant role in influencing the first impressions visitors will form in their minds of this country.
“The Authority is pleased to partner with Caribbean Airlines Limited and Tourism Trinidad Limited on this initiative. This collaboration helps to create deep linkages among stakeholders in the aviation and tourism industries,” he said, “as we aim toward accomplishing common goals, contributing to the realization of national diversification efforts and enhancing the guest experience in destination Trinidad and Tobago.”