The Division of Tourism and Transportation and the Tobago House of Assembly is pleased to announce that there has been a 100 percent growth in international arrivals to Tobago for the just concluded winter season when compared to the 2104 winter period.

For the winter season December 2014 to April 2015 a total of seventy four thousand one hundred and twenty five international guests arrived in Tobago compared to thirty four thousand and thirty four during the winter of 2014.

A further break down of the numbers show that for the winter 2015 there were fifty six thousand one hundred and thirty four cruise passenger arrivals and seventeen thousand nine hundred and ninety one air passenger arrivals. This compares favourably with arrivals for 2014 which recorded sixteen thousand one hundred and fifty nine cruise passenger arrivals and seventeen thousand eight hundred and eight three international air passenger arrivals.

For the period December 2014 to April 2015 total international air passenger arrivals increased moderately to seventeen thousand nine hundred and ninety one (17,991) from seventeen thousand eight hundred and eighty three (17,883) in 2013/2014 but was 3,000 passengers more than 2012/2013.

This growth in airline passenger arrivals to Tobago took place even though Virgin Atlantic was not operating on the route.  For the winter period 2014 Virgin Atlantic alone brought 2,257 passengers.

Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Tracy Davidson-Celestine said she was pleased with the growth of international arrivals since it could only mean one thing “increased economic opportunities for the people of Tobago.”

“I am happy that this winter season we were able to increase our international arrivals, even without Virgin Atlantic servicing the route and the uncertainty surrounding Monarch. Meanwhile we made major progress in cruise and therefore we created opportunity for our people to earn revenue from the tourism sector.” Secretary Davidson-Celestine explained.

She said now that the peak winter period is finished the Division continues to invest in activities that will bring tourists to the island including the upcoming British Airways Tobago Legends Tournament, Dragon Boat racing,  Blue Food Festival and improved offerings for both domestic and international guests.