Trinidad and Tobago Sink a Wreck to Boost Dive Tourism & Score at Bird Fair

The Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TIDCO) in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) recently commissioned the sinking of the MV Roundtable at Speyside, Tobago to serve as a diving attraction. The objectives of this project were however multifold: the alleviation of pressure off Speyside’s existing natural reef system, the diversification of Tobago’s dive niche and the creation of an independent, artificial reef system and the enhancement of fisheries stock in the area.

The method of sinking was strategically mapped by Trindive Underwater Services Limited, by unsealing holes along the vessel, allowing the vessel to sink slowly and in a controlled manner.  All environmental checks were made prior to sinking, including the complete removal of all marine toxins, as well as checks to ensure diver safety. 

Environmental Advisor and Dive Safety Specialist, Aljoscha Wothke of Eco Project Limited and Marco de Priester, were instrumental in co-ordinating the sink and at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, the holes at the base of the boat were unsealed.  Approximately two hours later, the boat was completely submerged.

The Association of Tobago Dive Operators, represented by Keith Darwent, was also vital in planning, monitoring and executing the sink.

Armed with binoculars and a sense of pride, Councillor Neil Wilson, Secretary, Department of Tourism, THA, along with other members of the THA witnessed the sink firsthand.

Cheryle Dubay, Product Development Officer, TIDCO reiterated how this project was directly related to the marketing and promotion of “Brand T&T” by improving Tobago’s dive product at Speyside to be competitive and attractive within the Scuba Diving Niche Market.

As the national promotional agency for Trinidad and Tobago, TIDCO is proud to further the development of Tobago as a superior dive destination.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Flora and Fauna Score Big at this Year’s British Bird Fair

News from TIDCO

Two members of our local contingent sent courtesy the Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TIDCO), to compete in the British Bird Fair, 2003 have copped gold. 

Tony Poyer and Courtenay Rooks of Paria Springs Eco Community impressed the judges with their outstanding talent and display of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural resources.

Out of indigenous foliage such as anthuriums, ginger lilies, ferns and heliconias, Tony Poyer was able to create a colourful and unique floral arrangement, which merited favour among the judging panel.

Courtenay Rooks also stunned judges with his lecture entitled “Why is Birding in Trinidad and Tobago So Exceptional?”  The basis of his well-researched argument rested on Trinidad’s natural history and other crucial contributory factors.

“This was an occasion for Trinidad and Tobago to hone in to one particular aspect of tourism – ecotourism – and reveal the strength of not only our natural resources but also the sheer talent of our people who are consistently able to creatively harness these resources,” commented Neemah Persad-Celestine, Vice President of Tourism at TIDCO.

These two achievements are quite a testament to the success of partnerships forged between TIDCO and the private sector.  TIDCO extends its congratulations to the two winners, Tony Poyer and Courtenay Rooks, and its sincerest thanks for helping in the promotion of Trinidad and Tobago.

TIDCO markets the country’s eco attractions to differentiate Trinidad and Tobago as a destination with unique ecological attributes as opposed to the generic appeal of sun, sea and sand promoted by our other Caribbean neighbours.

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March 4, 2004   Posted in: Caribbean