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