113
Tourism
319.
The sum of $91.4 million is proposed for the Ministry of Tourism, its agency - the
Tourism Development Company (TDC), the Municipal Corporations and the THA for
implementation of projects and programmes in the Tourism Sector. As one of the seven
priority sectors for diversification, the Tourism sector has been provided with the sum of
$47 million to develop a comprehensive strategy for refining the tourism product, to
expand and uplift the product base in accordance with international tourism standards. In
2014 the Ministry and its Agencies will continue to upgrade and construct lifeguard
facilities, establish the Sugar Heritage Museum and enhance the tourism sites and
attractions.
320.
The Ministry of Tourism will also seek to develop the Cruise Industry over the
next two years through a new cruise tourism initiative with emphasis on increased
marketing, safety and security of cruise passengers and provision of incentives to cruise
lines to select Trinidad and Tobago as one of their destination sites.
321.
A provision of $20 million will be made available for the upgrade of Maracas
Beach on a phased basis with infrastructure works to include the upgrade of washroom
facilities, expansion of the water distribution system, improvement of wastewater
collection system and treatment plant. The sum of $6 million will also be provided for
the acquisition of land for the construction of required amenities at Saline Beach, Toco to
improve the visitor experience that beach facility.
322.
TDC will receive funding in the amount of $7.6 million to continue
implementation of physical works at hotels and guest houses and to promote Trinidad and
Tobago as a business and tourism site. The TDC‟s main focus will include:
incentives to hoteliers for the upgrade of hotel and guestroom stock in
Trinidad
promotion of services of the Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau aimed
at increasing awareness of T&T as the meeting capital of the southern
Caribbean
visitor safety and security awareness initiatives
development of national tourism industry standards and continued
certification of tourism operators
323.
Improvements in Basic Tourism Infrastructure Programme will receive an
investment of $10.5 million for the Tobago House of Assembly to continue development
of the tourism sector. Key projects to be undertaken during fiscal year 2014 include:
upgrade of Fort George Heritage Park, Store bay and Mt Irvine Beach
Facilities
