OPERATORS in the hospitality sector, especially in Tobago, are openly asking why the public isn’t being allowed to go to the public beaches.
The question is popping up on social media after Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced plans to permit activities at bars, casinos, and gyms.
Access to beaches is a major pull factor in marketing hotels, guest houses and villas in Tobago and coastal communities in Trinidad, such as Mayaro and Manzanilla.
Rowley made no mention of beaches in his statement.
About 75 percent of hotels and other places of accommodation in Tobago have closed in recent weeks as a result of poor occupancy.
Carol-Ann Birchwood-James, Vice President of Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, said that with beaches closed, “it makes no sense” travelling to the island.
In contrast, Barbados has re-opened access to its public beaches, and is attracting tourists.
British Airways and other international airlines are offering attractive destination packages.
But Tobago hotels remained locked tight.
“We have no money for operations, and little or no money to [ay salaries,” Birchwood-James said.
In the past, Rowley has said that the deadly Covid-19 has been spread because of mass gatherings at public beaches.
