The Tobago Business Chamber has emphasized the need for the island to develop sustainable and profitable ventures beyond its annual October carnival to ensure consistent economic growth. The fourth edition of the festival, ‘Unveiled: Mud, Mas and Music,’ held from October 26-28, drew thousands of visitors, both local and international, and was hailed as the most successful iteration to date since its inception in 2022. However, in a WhatsApp voice note on November 6, Martin George, the chamber’s chairman, highlighted the limitations of relying solely on a seasonal event for financial gains. He stressed that while the carnival is beginning to establish itself on the international stage, Tobago must diversify its tourism offerings to maintain year-round revenue streams. George pointed to Barbados as a model, citing its array of annual events such as the rum and food festival and Run Barbados, which attract tourists consistently. He also suggested that Tobago could capitalize on the growing trend of digital nomadism by improving its infrastructure, particularly high-speed Wi-Fi, to position itself as a paradise for remote workers. George urged stakeholders to adopt a more innovative and proactive approach, moving beyond complaints and creating opportunities to control their economic destiny. ‘Rather than coming with a begging bowl, we should be in control of the kitchen,’ he concluded, advocating for self-reliance and equitable distribution of resources.