Tobago Chamber Welcomes Carnival Growth, Urges Better Logistics for 2027

Tobago’s business community is welcoming the growth of the island’s Carnival, while calling for improvements in transport, accommodation and event logistics ahead of the 2027 festival. Curtis Williams, chairman of the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, described the 2026 edition as another step forward. In comments reported by TTT News, he said the festival was developing in the right direction. Williams estimated that more than 25,000 people visited Tobago for Carnival, based on information received from the accommodation sector. That figure was his estimate, rather than an independently confirmed visitor count. He identified food and beverage businesses and accommodation providers as major beneficiaries. Small hotels and villas were filled to capacity, he said, as visitors sought places to stay. Williams also praised Caribbean Airlines and the Port Authority for moving visitors to and from the island. He said the Chamber had been advocating for improvements to the airbridge since Tobago Carnival began in 2022, and welcomed the handling of passenger movements this year. Electricity and water provision also received favourable assessments from the Chamber chairman, who credited T&TEC and WASA with maintaining supplies. He praised the development of events organised by the Tobago Promoters Association, alongside the quality of music and presentations from Tobago’s artistes. Looking towards 2027, Williams said organisers should improve how people are transported and accommodated, while giving greater definition to the festival’s identity and offering. The Chamber supports the festival’s continued expansion, he said, and wants Tobago Carnival eventually to be driven primarily by the private sector rather than the Tobago House of Assembly.