Tourism in Tobago

[zsmies]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first post…

My husband and I travelled to Tobago 23 years ago and we very are curious about what it is like now and how much it has changed.

In all honesty, we are looking to move to the Caribbean and we are flying to Antigua soon to view some properties and we are considering visiting Tobago at the same time.

I have been doing a lot of reading over the last few months and note the new international terminal was completed earlier this year. I also read about the Sandals deal falling through many years ago and that they were invited back to reconsider. Have there been any more developments on this, or is there anyone living on the island that may know a little more than I can currently find on the internet?

Reading back through the forum, I was saddened to learn how tourism is at an all time low. When we travelled there, it was described as an ‘up and coming’ destination while still holding much of it’s underdeveloped charm. I thought much would have changed in the last 23 years, but seemingly not?!

We are very keen to view a guest house for sale on the island, amongst some other properties, but I am concerned about what I have read and whether it would be an unwise time to invest.

We would really appreciate any information and local insight from anyone!

Going back all those years ago, we stayed at Montgomery House in Arnos Vale which appears to have been sold and now not available to rent. We are also absolutely gutted to hear that Salsa Kitchen has closed! That place was an unremarkable gem!!

[Steve Wooler]

Hello Zsmies

Welcome aboard.

I'm delighted to hear that you are thinking of returning to Tobago. Although the essential charm remains, you will find today's Tobago a very different island to your first visit.

As you say, tourism to the island is at a low. There are myriad reasons for this. Tourism now largely limited to the Trinidadian domestic market. To be brutally honest and without wishing to cause offence to anyone, I don't think many foreigners would achieve the fulfilment they might be expecting and deserve running a guest house which has to rely on this market.

I haven't heard anything about Montgomery House for many years - but having visited that house many years ago and stayed in the immediate area many, many times, I know how wonderful an area it can be. Sadly, security in the area has become a serious concern and having to have 24-hour security does take the edge of the experience.

Yes, I join you in mourning the closure of the Salsa Kitchen and, of course, the passing of owner/chef Paula. She was a brilliant cook and a lovely bubbly person.

[zsmies]

Thank you Steve for your very honest and frank response. This is exactly what I feared but unfortunately needed to hear.

Is tourism showing no signs of recovery or improvement? I had hoped that the new airport terminal may have been a boost in the right direction.

That is such a shame to hear about the security issues in Arnos Vale. There was always the risk and potential of petty crime but certainly not on a 24 hour high security scale.

I also had no idea of the passing of Paula at Salsa Kitchen, she was indeed an amazing chef!