As discussions continue on the establishment of a $500 million Marriott-branded hotel and property development at Rocky Point in Tobago, a second consultation is expected to take place either next month or August.
There is still a way to go for the property development to receive the green light, as the Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) is expected to be determined by August 2025.
However, ongoing talks are important as they also provide significant feedback from stakeholders, including residents.
In the meantime, Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon told the Business Guardian she remains hopeful the project will not only come on stream, but will render a host of benefits.
“I am convinced this project will benefit all of the people of Tobago primarily ... with tremendous spinoff across all economic sub sectors.
“The Rocky Point hotel, given the Marriott brand, will be hugely impactful on the Tobago tourism landscape, bringing attention to the island and its many offerings.
“The welcomed investment will create hundreds of job opportunities, directly and indirectly,” Gopee-Scoon said.
Additionally, Gopee-Scoon added there is a strong linkage with agriculture, noting that farmers and fishermen, producers of chicken and other meats will be able to supply directly to the hotel.
The Ministry of Trade also detailed background information about the initiative, noting that in 2021 local company, Superior Hotels Ltd, signed on to construct the hotel.
Gopee-Scoon said the Government made a decision in January 2021 to invite offers for the development of a hotel in Rocky Point, through the Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (eTecK), a special purpose state company under the Ministry of Trade.
On June 9, 2022 Superior Hotels submitted an application for a CEC for the establishment of a 200-room hotel, bungalows, villas, private residences and other associated facilities on 11.99 hectares of land at Rocky Point, Shirvan Road, Mt Irvine, Tobago. The developer received a 99-year lease for the land, Gopee-Scoon said, but she said she was not aware of the amount of the annual lease rental.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) determined that it is likely that significant environmental impacts can arise from this proposed project, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was therefore requested in support of the CEC application.
Consultations between the developers and the community continue with the first stakeholders’ meeting being held on May 9, 2024, when Superior Hotels held its introductory public meeting as part of its application for a CEC.
The ministry explained the purpose was to present information about the proposed development, to give details about the EIA and to receive initial comments from key stakeholders and the general public.
The consultants conducting the EIA outlined the areas that would be covered including the impact to the physical environment (erosion, drainage, waste disposal, water quality, noise, air quality, soil contamination, etc), the biological environment (loss of terrestrial habitat, impact on marine life, impact on corals, impact on specially protected areas, etc).
The consultants also outlined the impact of the development on the human environment—which include conflicts with various special interest groups, local job opportunities, loss of access to and use of Rocky Point Estate, increased road traffic, impact on recreational activities and public safety—during the site preparation, construction, and occupancy phases.
The proposed completion date for the EIA is April 2025, following which it is estimated that the CEC will be determined by August 2025.
The ministry emphasised the project will boost employment for the sister island, with the expectation that about 750 people would be employed during the construction phase of the project and that over 221 people will get permanent jobs on the complex. Most of those employed are expected to be from Tobago,
It added that during operation of the tourism property, the project will employ highly trained personnel such as chefs, managers and engineers, as well as less trained positions such as kitchen staff, security personnel and cleaners and bartenders.
Further, the ministry said the Marriott-branded hotel, being the first international brand for several years, will raise the overall appeal of Tobago and complement the expansion of the ANR Robinson airport.
It will also raise the overall standards and quality of service, so that other hotels will subsequently invest in the improved infrastructure and service.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has also endorsed the Rocky Point project, saying government intends to do everything to support its creation.
He was responding, in part, to the concerns raised by Tobago’s surfing community, residents and also from those who are worried about the impact of the development during the first official stakeholder consultation.
Speaking at the recent “Conversations with the Prime Minister” at the Scarborough Library Facility in Tobago the Prime Minister said he had taken note of the consultation for the hotel development.
He said Tobago needed the project.
“You need it. And if you could tell me how Rocky Point Hotel will stop waves from coming in down behind Mount Irvine for you to surf on...I will give back my geography degree,” Rowley had said.
The Ministry of Trade also maintained that an investment in tourism is an investment in prosperity.
It noted that travel and tourism, as a sector, is booming globally and will continue to do so for some time. It adding that it is imperative that T&T possess the necessary policy framework and physical infrastructure to benefit from and contribute to this development.
According to the Economic Impact Research (EIR) Report of The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 2024 is projected to be a record-breaking year for travel and tourism.
The sector’s global economic contribution is set to reach an all-time high of US$11.1 trillion, generating US$1 in every US$10 worldwide.
The ministry also noted data from the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) showing that Tobago’s accommodation inventory totalled 2,596 rooms for 2023, with just under half (1,233) being hotel rooms.
Although this can theoretically meet the demands of international arrivals (primarily from the United Kingdom, Germany and the US), and many others from Trinidad, Tobago’s low occupancy rates can be alleviated by the introduction of an international brand, which brings with it not only appeal, but standards and quality that visitors know and expect, it further noted.
“This initiative, will definitely modernise and improve the performance of the accommodation/lodging sector in Tobago so that it becomes more competitive, profitable, and sustainable.
“The optimal accommodation mix including the type, range and quality of lodging offered, will assist in the market positioning of the Tobago, and raise its profile as a destination that combines nature, sustainability and quality,” the ministry added.