It would appear that even in the face of what, these days, are widely publicized concerns over increasingly and disturbingly high levels of crime, including violent ones, in Trinidad and Tobago, the twin-island Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member country remain popular with visitors from both within and outside the region. Back in January this year, the travel information website, Travelers Worldwide, published an article, “Is Trinidad Safe to Visit in 2024?”, in which it asserted that the twin-island Republic “has a high crime rate, including violent crimes like robbery and kidnapping.” “Foreign governments,” the article continues, “often issue travel advisories, cautioning against visiting due to these safety concerns.”
In raising the issue as to whether or not Trinidad and Tobago “is safe to visit in 2024,” the Travelers Worldwide article asserts that the country “is not considered a very safe destination for tourists.” That said, reports about a profusion of violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago does not appear to deter visitors from outside the region from ‘picking T&T for their Caribbean getaways’. Historically, Trinidad has been “a popular vacation destination thanks to its vibrant history and even more vibrant nature,” the article asserts. It adds that visitors to the twin-island Republic “love exploring the jungle with sights such as Argyle Falls or checking out the island’s unique history at sites such as Fort King George” being high on their agendas.
Guyanese, with whom the Stabroek Business have spoken, name Trinidad and Tobago as their favourite holiday destination in the region, though most of our respondents were relatively young adults, with older respondents opting for Barbados as their regional destination of choice for holidaying in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago’s popularity, according to the Travelers Worldwide article derives in large measure from the “Carnival experience” that it offers. “During this world-famous festival, visitors can dance and make merry in the streets along with soca performers, bands, and locals.” Almost 40,000 people visit each year, according to the Travelers Worldwide report, though the country is believed to be ‘missing out’ on much healthier visitor numbers if it could be made friendlier for visitors.
