Stakeholder Relations Unit (SRU)

The tourism matrix is so fragmented that it requires purposeful coordination in order to ensure seamless running of operations and management. In this mix, stakeholders play a critical role in the coordination of the tourism system. Stakeholders in this context, are those that have an effect on, or are affected by, tourism activities. Stakeholders are classified as suppliers and supporting industries, marketing intermediaries and facilitators, and members of the public. These stakeholders include environmental groups, business interests, public authorities, and community groups. There is much evidence in tourism literature that demonstrate that strengthened relationships with players of the tourism system result in a more robust tourism product. In an ideal situation, stakeholders should be engaged, involved, and monitored during the tourism planning and implementation processes if tourism is to be sustainable. The Stakeholder Relations Unit (SRU) was born to execute this ideal situation.

It is the mandate of the Ministry of Tourism of Trinidad and Tobago to optimize the return on investment of the local tourism industry. As a result, engaging stakeholders in dialogue to ascertain the socio-cultural, environmental, and technological challenges that they face is critical to effectively addressing the needs and meeting demands in the tourism sector. This in turn will improve policy decision-making, collaboration and accountability between the public sector and all stakeholders.

Stakeholders are recognized as partners in the strategic development of tourism in Trinidad and Tobago and therefore their active participation in consultations and engagements is crucial to achieving sustainability in the tourism sector. The inclusion of stakeholders in activities within the sector, is a prerequisite for risk and crisis management as stakeholders are defenders and ambassadors of the destination’s tourism product and image. Moreover, the effective engagement of stakeholders with the Ministry of Tourism, results in a more efficient partnership.  This approach ultimately leads to a more dynamic tourism industry and further strengthening of the sector. 

Phone: 625-0963/624-1403 Ext. 227 and 251
Email: stakeholderrelations@tourism.gov.tt

The SRU engages and involves stakeholders and policy-makers in transforming the tourism sector into a vibrant, economically viable and competitive industry in Trinidad and Tobago. The following are the main pillars that form the foundation of the Unit:

  1. Education & Awareness: Marketing the destination’s brand to seek greater international exposure are fundamental to the SRU’s operations. Part of the process of this marketing would involve actively energizing millennials to meaningfully contribute to the expansion of the tourism sector. The goal of this pillar is to convert stakeholders into tourism ambassadors through increased consciousness resulting in a cultural shift or a change in mindset;
  2. Engagement & Involvement: Stimulating and coordinating consultations with the Minister and all tourism stakeholders, regardless of size and affiliation. Communicating the national strategic direction and goals with primary and secondary stakeholders of the tourism system are key activities of this pillar. The purpose of these activities is to provide a platform for discussion and engagement with a wide cross-section of tourism personnel and interest groups to gain feedback and input from these groups on tourism-related matters. These activities would include analyzing the data collected from public consultations in order to inform tourism policies and programme development;
  3. Networking & Collaboration: Partnering with other Units of the Ministry such as Information Technology (IT) and Communications, to disseminate information on social media platforms, and strengthen collaborations between the SRU and stakeholders. The aim of these activities is to create linkages with stakeholders who have the potential to further stimulate, thus propelling the tourism sector.   

Tourism stakeholders and the general public are hereby advised that the Tourism Development Company (TDC) has ceased operations. Effective Monday August 21, 2017, the Ministry of Tourism will manage the following tourism portfolios previously under the remit of the TDC on an interim basis:

 
  • Tourism Investment and Incentives
  • Cruise Passenger Visitor Services
  • Airport Visitor Information Services
  • Sites and Attractions – Maracas Beach Facility, Las Cuevas Beach Facility, Vessigny Beach Facility, Manzanilla Beach Facility and the La Brea Pitch Lake

In March 2017, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago renewed its commitment to boost the tourism sector as part of the country’s diversification thrust. The Cabinet, to this end, made a decision to create three (3) separate entities to drive the tourism sector forward. 

  • The Tourism Destination Marketing and Product Development Company (Tourism Trinidad)
  • The Tobago Tourism Agency
  • Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Regulatory and Licensing Authority

Trinidad and Tobago remains one of the most unspoilt tourist destinations within the Caribbean. Blessed with a uniquely diverse culture that is reflected in an array of mouth-watering culinary delights, creative arts and riveting heritage traditions. These three entities are intended to act as catalysts for the sustained development of Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector and presents us all with a unique opportunity to move our tourism product forward in new and exciting ways.

Phone: 625-0963/624-1403 Ext. 227 and 251
Email: stakeholderrelations@tourism.gov.tt
Ministry of Tourism
Stakeholder Relations Unit, Levels 9
Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies