Tourism is one of the sectors critical to the future development of Tobago.

And Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation Nadine Stewart-Phillips is urging residents to play their parts in helping the sector reach its true potential.

The Secretary, speaking at Thursday’s (July 5) launch of the Community Tourism Awareness Campaign, said it will take a united effort to boost tourism.

“No stone will be left unturned and no Tobagonian left behind as we work hand in hand toward achieving the common goal of a thriving tourism industry for Tobago,” Stewart-Phillips said during the launch at the Fort King George Heritage Park.

“We want all Tobagonians to embrace tourism as the backbone of our livelihoods, a bountiful resource for self-fulfillment; the key to economic growth; and the foundation of our island’s future,” she said.

The initiative will be undertaken in three phases over three years. It’s aimed at educating communities about the benefits of tourism to the island, and encouraging them to become advocates of the sector.

Phase One will highlight the importance of tourism to the economy and its benefits, while Phase Two will look at changing public perception and attitudes towards the industry.

The final phase will support and reinforce the positive gains of the campaign.