Temporary Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett and the Tobago October Carnival Association (TOCA) are calling for urgent additional airlift to the island as the demand for flights increases due to the October Carnival.
At a news conference held by the Tourism Division yesterday at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Scarborough to update the public on Carnival preparations, Hackett said the association has formally requested Caribbean Airlines deploy three ATR aircraft and jets between October 15 and November 2.
Carnival festivities take place from October 21 to 28.
“What I would hope is to hear by today that Caribbean Airlines will be increasing the flights as we’ve asked for, at least three ATRs and a jet daily from around the 15th to about the 2nd of November,” Hackett said. “And we’re really hoping that even if we can’t get the three ATRs and the one jet, at least two jets daily,” Hackett said. She said the timing is important.
“You wouldn’t want these additional flights popping up a week or two before the festival. There are persons out there waiting just for flights to open up to be able to get their bookings going and to get to the island. And so a lot of opportunities are lost when the flights come on board late.”
Hackett said talks have been held with ministers.
“I’ve had conversations on the Chief Secretary’s beckoning with the Minister with responsibility for Civil Aviation and Transport, Minister Eli Zakour, as well as the Minister with direct responsibility over Caribbean Airlines, that is the Minister of Finance, Mr (Davendranath) Tancoo. Also had conversations with the Leader of Government Business, Minister (Barry) Padarath, and we have all assurances that we’re going to get some relief.”
Hackett said flights to the island have been an issue since the start of October Carnival.
“I mean, it’s a pity that we’re here, year four. I mean, we have had this challenge since inception, and we continue to be out there advocating strongly. But I mean, the advocacy can’t stop.”
Meanwhile, despite the limited airlift to meet the anticipated visitor demand, TOCA president Dexter Sandy said costume sales are very strong.
“For the bigger bands, in terms of sales, they’re in excess of probably 85 per cent to 90 per cent sold out across their sections,” Sandy said. “There are some smaller ones who are just about 40 per cent to 50 per cent in terms of sales. But I must say, so far, the costume sales have really been positive and we are definitely going to see a larger amount of participation on the road across Saturday and Sunday.”
Sandy said some bands increased their production.
“Some bands have increased their numbers by 50 per cent overall in terms of production. Some have even doubled.” He called for support from the business community.
“It doesn’t take much out of, let’s say, for example, an Airbnb or a hotel to donate 50 cases of water, you know, 100 cases of water, like $2,500. Find some way, even if it’s not cash, it’s kind, that you could support these bands.”
Hackett told stakeholders the event cannot succeed without them.
“We don’t have a Tobago October Carnival without you. And so I want to tell you thank you for re-energising Tobagonians and getting the excitement and the passion back out there.”
