The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Turtle Village Trust to make Trinidad and Tobago the premier turtle tourism destination globally.

This was revealed on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Turtle Conservation, Eco-tourism and Sustainable Community Development International Conference at the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

In a feature address given by Melba Dedier, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, she revealed that the ministry was upgrading local sites and attractions across the island.

’Visitor amenities have been improved and capital works done at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Gasparee Caves, San Fernando Hill and the Toco Lighthouse.’

She added that it was simply not enough to develop appropriate and attractive infrastructure and visitor amenities.

’Our developmental plan must encompass the care and protection of the environment, provision of regular maintenance of infrastructure and the beautification of the environs. Hence, the Ministry of Tourism’s partnering with communities.’

Dedier said that this country is one of the top turtle-nesting sites in the world, with an average of 500 leatherback turtles coming to these shores per night at the high point of the season.

Some of the objectives of the two-day international conference included the development of a network of sector interest working groups, the empowerment of stakeholders with innovative strategies for change and an enhanced understanding and collaboration between academics and leaders of business and Government, so as to improve the quality of decision-making on developmental issues confronting communities.

The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and hosted by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (Salises).