Tobago’s accommodation sector is set for a major boost with the construction of a $500 million Marriott resort at Rocky Point, a project expected to be completed by 2029.
The sod-turning ceremony for the development took place yesterday and was attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett.
The project, being undertaken by Superior Hotels Ltd, is expected to take approximately 30 months to complete and will add a four-star, 200-room hotel, villas, townhouses and a range of recreational amenities to Tobago’s tourism product. Once operational, the resort is expected to create nearly 800 jobs.
Augustine commended Superior Hotels for taking into account the THA’s recommendations, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders during the planning process. He assured the public that a beach access pathway would be maintained, there would be no construction on the beach itself and environmentally responsible practices would be observed throughout the project.
The Speyside assemblyman said private-sector investment remains critical to the growth and sustainability of Tobago’s tourism industry.
“This has to complement the new airport terminal that opened this morning. Thank you very much for choosing Tobago, and we hope your investment will bring returns,” Augustine said.
Persad-Bissessar also welcomed the investment, praising Superior Hotels for its confidence in Tobago’s tourism potential.
“We have to make money, and we have to bring in investors to bring in money for the benefit of T&T,” she said.
The Prime Minister said the internationally recognised Marriott brand is expected to attract millions of travellers over time, adding that Tobago’s biodiversity, natural beauty and the warmth of its people make the island an attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
Superior Hotels chairman John Aboud sought to ease environmentalists’ concerns surrounding the development during the event, pledging that the company would adhere to all conditions outlined by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) in its Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC).
Aboud said the developers would work closely with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to preserve and highlight the unique attributes of the Rocky Point area.
“We propose to use to our advantage the surfing, the turtle watching and even the remnants of Fort Monk,” he said.
He also revealed that IDB Invest, the private-sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has expressed strong interest in participating in the project.
