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The Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago has recorded $237.6 million in net losses over the past decade, according to financial records obtained by the Sunday Express. The figures, covering the period from 2016 to 2025, reveal that the state-owned property has operated at a loss in every single year under review, with no profitable year recorded during this time. The resort’s financial struggles were most severe in its early years, with a staggering $34.2 million loss in 2016 alone. While the losses fluctuated in subsequent years, the resort has remained consistently unprofitable, accumulating a total of $246.1 million in combined losses when including the Hilton Trinidad’s deficits. However, the Magdalena’s losses alone account for 96.6% of the total, underscoring its far more dire financial situation compared to its counterpart in Trinidad. The financial breakdown, which includes net losses after tax, provides a stark contrast to the Hilton Trinidad’s performance. While the Hilton experienced profitability in six out of ten years, Magdalena has never turned a profit since 2016. The resort’s persistent losses raise questions about its operational sustainability and the government’s decision to retain ownership. The financial figures come as the government moves forward with plans to divest both properties, a strategy announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in September. Speaking at a sod-turning ceremony for a new Marriott hotel development in Rocky Point, Tobago, the Prime Minister stated that the State should not be in the business of running hotels and that private investment could provide a more sustainable model for commercial operations. The announcement has reignited concerns among workers at both properties, particularly those represented by the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU). The union has previously expressed worries about job security, operational continuity, and the status of funds allocated for renovations. While the September management agreement for Hilton Trinidad provided temporary stability for employees, the upcoming divestment process introduces new uncertainties. The financial records also highlight the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Tobago’s tourism sector. While Hilton Trinidad saw losses primarily during the Covid-19 pandemic—with a peak loss of $3.7 million in 2022—Magdalena’s struggles predated the pandemic and persisted long after international travel restrictions eased. This suggests deeper structural issues, possibly related to management, market positioning, or operational inefficiencies. The government’s decision to divest the properties aligns with broader trends in public sector asset management, where state-owned enterprises are increasingly being sold off to reduce fiscal burdens and attract private sector efficiency. However, the Magdalena’s decade-long string of losses raises questions about whether potential buyers will view the resort as a viable investment—or if it may face further financial challenges under new ownership. As the divestment process moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the transition unfolds and whether the resort can finally break its cycle of losses.
The Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago has recorded $237.6 million in net losses over the past decade, according to financial records obtained by the Sunday Express. The figures, covering the period from 2016 to 2025, reveal that the state-owned property has operated at a loss in every single year under review, with no profitable year recorded during this time.
The resort’s financial struggles were most severe in its early years, with a staggering $34.2 million loss in 2016 alone. While the losses fluctuated in subsequent years, the resort has remained consistently unprofitable, accumulating a total of $246.1 million in combined losses when including the Hilton Trinidad’s deficits. However, the Magdalena’s losses alone account for 96.6% of the total, underscoring its far more dire financial situation compared to its counterpart in Trinidad.
The financial breakdown, which includes net losses after tax, provides a stark contrast to the Hilton Trinidad’s performance. While the Hilton experienced profitability in six out of ten years, Magdalena has never turned a profit since 2016. The resort’s persistent losses raise questions about its operational sustainability and the government’s decision to retain ownership.
The financial figures come as the government moves forward with plans to divest both properties, a strategy announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in September. Speaking at a sod-turning ceremony for a new Marriott hotel development in Rocky Point, Tobago, the Prime Minister stated that the State should not be in the business of running hotels and that private investment could provide a more sustainable model for commercial operations.
The announcement has reignited concerns among workers at both properties, particularly those represented by the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU). The union has previously expressed worries about job security, operational continuity, and the status of funds allocated for renovations. While the September management agreement for Hilton Trinidad provided temporary stability for employees, the upcoming divestment process introduces new uncertainties.
The financial records also highlight the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Tobago’s tourism sector. While Hilton Trinidad saw losses primarily during the Covid-19 pandemic—with a peak loss of $3.7 million in 2022—Magdalena’s struggles predated the pandemic and persisted long after international travel restrictions eased. This suggests deeper structural issues, possibly related to management, market positioning, or operational inefficiencies.
The government’s decision to divest the properties aligns with broader trends in public sector asset management, where state-owned enterprises are increasingly being sold off to reduce fiscal burdens and attract private sector efficiency. However, the Magdalena’s decade-long string of losses raises questions about whether potential buyers will view the resort as a viable investment—or if it may face further financial challenges under new ownership.
As the divestment process moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the transition unfolds and whether the resort can finally break its cycle of losses.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
