The picturesque shores of Tobago’s Charlotteville waterfront remained unusually tranquil during the peak Christmas season, presenting a stark contrast to the typical holiday bustle. With minimal local activity and a conspicuous absence of international visitors, the scene encapsulated the severe challenges facing Tobago’s hospitality sector.
Tourism industry leaders have identified dual catalysts for this pronounced downturn: escalating military tensions between the United States and Venezuela, coupled with the ongoing state of emergency declaration. Reginald MacLean, President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, confirmed substantial declines in both advance bookings and actual tourist arrivals during what should be the island’s most profitable period.
MacLean, who simultaneously serves as general manager of Blue Waters Inn in Speyside, provided concrete metrics illustrating the sector’s struggles. His establishment operated at approximately 70% capacity during the critical holiday period—a significant reduction from the complete occupancy achieved during the same timeframe in 2024.
Industry-wide assessments confirm this pattern extends across the island. Alpha Lorde, former association president and current general manager of Mt Irvine Bay Hotel, characterized both the 2024 and 2025 Christmas seasons as ‘fairly dismal’ with no hospitality operators reporting strong performance.
Transportation infrastructure limitations have exacerbated the situation. MacLean emphasized that constrained flight availability and reduced ferry services have created fundamental capacity constraints preventing hotel occupancy recovery.
Industry executives have expressed frustration with governmental support levels. Despite official rhetoric about economic diversification beyond hydrocarbon dependence, tourism stakeholders perceive insufficient concrete action. Multiple attempts by Newsday to obtain comments from Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris yielded no response.
The industry’s challenges accumulated throughout 2025, beginning with an initial state of emergency, progressing through electoral transitions and governmental changes, and culminating with renewed emergency declarations and geopolitical complications. Tourism professionals maintain cautious optimism that 2026 may bring improved circumstances and renewed visitor interest to Tobago’s hospitality sector.