Tobago Correspondent
Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett said Tobago cannot rely solely on sand, sea and sun to attract visitors to the island.
Hackett was speaking at the Assembly Legislature last week during debate on a motion to declare April 30 Main Ridge Day, commemorating 250 years since the rainforest was declared a protected reserve.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Hackett said the decision in 1776 showed that an understanding that the environmental protection of a people is not separate from its development.
As part of the celebrations, the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd will be unveiling an immersive digital Main Ridge experience using Google Street View and virtual reality.
Hackett said this will digitally capture the rainforest ecosystem, create 360-degree navigational experience and provide global access to the island’s interior.
By providing this visually stimulating experience, Hackett said potential visitors would realise Tobago is more than a coastline.
“Heritage that is not activated becomes history, but heritage that is structured, interpreted and positioned becomes economic, educational and global capital,” she said.
Hackett said Tobago’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere designation elevates the island considerably.
“It means Tobago is not just to be seen as a destination. We are a living laboratory, a demonstration site, a model of balance between environment and economy.”
She said the global tourism market is driven by several factors beyond picturesque coastlines.
“The attractions offered by the destination must culminate in experiences.
“In our region, there are countless destinations offering the proverbial sun, sea and sand. For far too long our Caribbean tourism has leaned on a single narrative.
“While Tobago’s coastlines are exceptional, it cannot be the only pillar of our tourism economy,” she said.
Hackett added that Tobago’s Main Ridge allows it to not just offer leisure tourism but exploratory, research-based and educational tourism.
She said the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is also tapping into wellness tourism, heritage tourism and sport tourism.
“This is where Tobago must be precise, We cannot market ourselves in the same way our competitors do. We must market ourselves as specific, as rare, as purposeful and beyond ordinary.”
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the THA must take decisive action to protect its assets and its future.
He hailed the 1776 legislation as pioneering environmental law which the world can emulate.
He urged the public to show respect for not only the green spaces but the blue spaces.
Augustine said ensuring sustainability of the Buccoo Marine Park is essential to preserving lives and livelihoods.
He chastised the public for recent complaints about not being able to host night parties at the Nylon Pool.
“That is a blue asset that is under threat because people don’t know how to behave...
“If we are not careful we will end up with a situation where there is no economic activity in the Buccoo Marine Park because it would be destroyed completely,” he said.
