With a 20 percent increase in visitor arrivals from the U.S., the first quarter of 2015 illustrates strong growth for Trinidad & Tobago’s tourism sector. The U.S. market makes up nearly 40 percent of all travelers to the destination and has shown the largest growth over the same period in 2014. Aggressive efforts have been set in place to position the dual-island nation as an attractive destination to U.S. travelers who are seeking an authentic cultural experience.

“This increase is very promising and we have embarked on a number of activities with a view to continuing this trend for the rest of the year and for years to come,” explains Warren Solomon, General Manager of Marketing at the Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Company. “We are pleased with the continuous aggressive efforts and results our marketing and PR team has garnered and plan to ramp up our campaigns in this market as the year progresses.”

As part of the ongoing process to showcase the destination in the coming months, PR and marketing events include niche press trips, promotional roadshows and trade events. Sponsored by Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau, the TDC will target meeting planners in May with presentations taking place in Atlanta, Washington D.C. and New York City as part of the initiative to highlight the diversity of the destination to accommodate groups for meetings and conventions. Also in May, Trinidad & Tobago will host a culinary press trip to highlight the complete, rich gastronomic heritage of the destination. Marketing partnerships have been strengthened with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), while a Trinidad & Tobago Travel Agent Specialist Program will be launched in May. The TDC is also partnering with its stakeholders and its Consulate General in New York to host “Trinidad & Tobago Day in Manhattan” in July.

Trinidad & Tobago, visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com