Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett is appealing to Caribbean Airlines for more domestic flights as the anticipation builds for this weekend’s Tobago Carnival. Speaking to the media on Sunday after welcoming passengers from the inaugural Toronto to Tobago flight, Hackett said the new ANR Robinson International Airport will be busy this entire week as thousands arrive for the annual festival.
However, she believes the event — expected to attract 60,000 visitors — could be even more successful if additional transport becomes available. “This week we want some more flights on the ground, to get the spontaneous Carnival babies over.
We have a lot of persons, they get the vibe and suddenly want to come over,” she said. Hackett said two jets per day would be required to facilitate the heavy traffic. She said the logistics must be sorted out to ensure visitors can return home when the October 30-November 1 festival is over.
“That is always the challenge. That has to be worked out well to ensure people enjoy themselves and can safely get back home to get to work next week.: Hackett said she also intends to speak with Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John on the status of the Buccoo Reef passenger vessel. The ferry has not been listed for service for the carnival period, despite previous assurances from the Port Authority.
