World Tourism Day is observed annually across the globe on September 27. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” aligns perfectly with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s (GoRTT) thrust to positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic growth and sustainable progress. The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTTI) recognizes that the tourism industry is a multifaceted, multi-sectorial and interconnected one and as such, the new and refreshed policy direction will serve to enhance and elevate sectors along its value chain such as transportation, food and beverage, agriculture, sport, creative industries, culture and the arts, and health. Through this renewed outlook, the Ministry will unlock new and bold opportunities for economic growth and development in the tourism sector.
According to UN Tourism, almost 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June 2025, which is almost 33 million more travellers than in the same period of 2024.[1] Reflecting this global trend is the rise in Trinidad and Tobago’s visitor arrivals. The Central Statistical Office (CSO) reported that during the period January 2025 to June 2025, there was an increase of approximately 12% arrivals (20,873) in Trinidad and Tobago compared to the same period in 2024. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 2025 report highlighted tourism’s growing impact anticipating its contribution to GDP of 7.9% ( 7.7% in 2024) with employment generation in the vicinity of 50,900 jobs, which represents 8.9% of the country’s total employment. The country’s key sectors of employment were accommodation, attractions, entertainment, transportation and food and beverage. Thus, the aim is to seize the many existing opportunities in the sector to unlock its maximum potential for growth, development, and prosperity.
Reflecting on the World Tourism Day’s theme, the Ministry continues to be unwavering in its stance that transformation must be inclusive and ought to occur at all levels, especially in underserved and rural communities. Expanding tourism in these areas diversifies local economies and generates new revenue streams where alternative opportunities may be limited. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are receiving special attention as the Ministry has been encouraging growth and sustainable development through training and capacity building. The long term vision for these entrepreneurs is the export of their indigenous and bespoke products and services, internationally.
Additionally, the Ministry is ardently pursuing market niches that are anticipated to provide the greatest return on investment, these include but are not limited to Sport, Ecotourism, Community Based Tourism, Medical Educational Tourism and Business Tourism. The Ministry envisions leveraging these niche markets to energize and diversify the tourism industry, creating exciting new opportunities and growth pathways.
Recognizing that world-class infrastructure is essential, the Ministry is committed to continuous upgrades of the destination’s sites and attractions, ensuring conformance with international standards and enhancing its appeal to the discerning visitor. Planned upgrades include the Paramin Lookout, La Brea Pitch Lake Facility, Fort George, Las Cuevas Beach Facility, Lopinot Historical Complex, Manzanilla Beach Facility, Maracas Beach Facility, and Vessigny Beach Facility, among others. Well-maintained infrastructure promises a superior experience and contributing to the visitor’s safety and satisfaction.
Injecting new capital in the economy remains a priority for the sustainable development of the tourism sector. Investment flows in both tourism-specific infrastructure (such as hotels, land and sea ports, and sites and attractions) and broader infrastructure (including digital connectivity, reliable energy, public utilities and transportation networks) is crucial to maintain the destination’s competitiveness. Therefore, beyond the Ministry’s direct investment in the sector, proactive efforts will be focussed on attracting local and international investors with the intention of securing investment in the tourism sector.
Fueled by the strides made in technology, there is no doubt that transformation of the sector is moving at a rapid pace. Digital technology is driving tourism innovation and causing disruption along the tourism value chain, turning business models upside down. Additionally, Artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly transformed the tourism sector by enhancing personalization, operational efficiency and customer service. It is no secret that the rapid adoption of AI is driven by its potential to increase competitiveness and revenue in the sector. The Ministry will continue to explore possibilities of integrating AI in its systems and processes and encourages the tourism sector to embrace new technologies to enhance and elevate the quality and appeal of their products and services.
Looking ahead, the Ministry will seek to maintain and improve year round visitor interest and appeal for the destination by leveraging the destination’s strengths such as hosting and celebrating vibrant festivals and events, positioning the destination as the world’s highest density of leather back turtle nesting sites and attracting the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) market with a strategic focus on the small and medium size business travel groups. The Ministry will continue to advance Trinidad and Tobago as the epicenter of regional connectivity and a gateway for the global tourism industry. Thus, the destination will be able to penetrate new markets and amplify its visibility in the global tourism landscape. The support and thrust for locally made products including artisanal crafts and Agrotourism supplies, especially in rural communities, will add new and varied offerings for the discerning traveller. Rest assured that the Ministry is creating a more investor friendly environment, providing potential investors with dynamic viable opportunities and the confidence that Trinidad and Tobago is open, ready and serious about its tourism future.
On this auspicious day, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to pursue a clear path for the sustainable development of tourism, one which ensures that the transformation of the tourism sector is fully realised and that its benefits redounds to all citizens.
Trinidad and Tobago joins its global partners in celebrating World Tourism Day.
Happy World Tourism Day, 2025!
[1] UN Tourism News: https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-up-5-in-first-half-of-2025-despite-global-challenges