Business becomes a perfect pleasure
FROM TRINIDAD'S LUSH RAINFORESTS AND CARNIVAL TO THE UNDISCOVERED SERENITY OF TOBAGO, THE ISLANDS OFFER A WEALTH OF CHARM TO VISITORS

THE CARIBBEAN'S last undiscovered paradise, Tobago’s leeward coast is lined with stunning beaches and coral reefs

Trinidad and Tobago are two of the most diverse Caribbean islands, with great potential both in terms of business and tourism development.
The energy and cultural diversity of the country is best exemplified during the festivities of carnival. The annual celebration is enlivened by the rhythmic sound of steel bands, one of the great cultural gifts of Trinidad and Tobago to the world. The ‘steelpan’, is one of the only new musical instruments to be invented in the 20th century.

Both islands are wonderful to visit. Distinctively boot-shaped Trinidad was once part of the South American mainland. Dense, lush rain forests carpet the peaks of the northern interior. It boasts an array of historical and cultural attractions, as well as a highly developed business infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Tobago remains one of the Caribbean’s last undiscovered tourism destinations. Smaller and more serene than Trinidad, its sheltered leeward coast is lined with stunning beaches and coral reefs. The windward coast is lined with vibrant fishing villages.
It is no surprise then that these twin beauties were fought over more than any other Caribbean islands. Trinidad was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib tribes before being claimed for Spain in 1498. At the end of the 18th century, the British captured it. Meanwhile, Tobago was colonized at one time or another by the Spanish, French, Dutch, and British.

BRIAN HARRY President of the Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago

“We have a cultural mix in Trinidad and Tobago that no country in the Caribbean can come close to. We are unique,” says Dr. Brian Harry, President of the Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO), which is developing Trinidad and Tobago as a premier place to invest, conduct business, and to visit.

Dr. Harry says that his top priority is to focus TIDCO on the Vision 2020 program, and to develop a strategic plan toward that national vision. “Our company’s mission is to promote and market ‘Brand Trinidad and Tobago’,” he says. “We are going to aggressively and proactively promote and facilitate inward investment, to encourage trade expansion and new market development, and to develop a highly differentiated, high-value tourism service sector,” he says.
Dr. Harry is also determined to bring in the right type of knowledge base in strategic alliances for development. “Of all the Caribbean islands, we have the perfect weather for yachting because we are outside the hurricane belt. We have sheltered harbors, too,” he says. “We would like to attract a few U.S. shipbuilders here to expand our yachting services.

THE ISLANDS' natural color and beauty forms the perfect backdrop to eco-tourism, adventure, sports, leisure, and diving

“We can become a destination with business and cultural events; with eco-tourism, adventure, sports, leisure and diving; a place which is good for weddings and honeymoons,” he adds. “We have large hotel chains like the Hilton here, and we would like to attract a few others.”
But that is by no means the only opportunity the President of TIDCO wants to highlight. U.S. businesses, he believes, will be particularly interested in high-tech openings such as electronics, robotics, software manufacture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and plastics.
“Add to that music and entertainment,” he says. “We believe there is all the material for a top-notch entertainment industry.”

Dr. Harry is targeting U.S. investors with a series of trade and investment missions throughout North America. “What we want is companies to see Trinidad and Tobago as a place where they can come and form dynamic partnerships. They will bring their capital and know-how. We will contribute our creativity and a hard-working, highly trained, and skilled work force,” he says.