The Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) has strongly condemned the recent attack on British cruise ship tourist, Sally Wilson.
In a statement yesterday, the THRTA said: “In recognising that we all have a collective role in creating a safer Destination T&T, the THRTA calls for deeper collaboration and increased dialogue amongst all major stakeholders including, the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, the Ministry of Tourism, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Tourism stakeholder associations, and the media.”
The THRTA also urged citizens to appreciate the value of tourism to the national economy.
“Opportunities are ever present in this growing industry, but these require positive interactions, skills development, and the sharing of authentic, ‘Trinbagonian’ experiences with all our visitors,” the group said.
Wilson and her 74-year-old husband Michael were walking along the Queen’s Park Savannah to view the Magnificent Seven buildings and other tourist attractions when they were approached by a man armed with a knife. The bandit cut the strap of Sally’s handbag to steal her belongings.
During the robbery, Wilson was slashed on her left arm and had to be taken via taxi to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where she underwent surgery and was discharged.
Micheal, who was unhurt, was accommodated at a hotel.
The Wilsons, who were on a visit to the Caribbean to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, were among hundreds of cruise passengers who arrived in T&T on the MSC Preziosa.