THE Trinidad and Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA) is calling for the reopening with policy enforcement of eco-tourism assets in the Bush Bush Sanctuary within the Nariva Swamp, which have been shut off due to yellow fever concerns.
A statement yesterday signed by association vice president Stephen Broadbridge raised concerns over the prolonged closure of the popular tour site, which has already begun to impact eco-tourism operators.
The release noted that the tours were also part of the sustainable livelihood of members of the surrounding community. It added that eco-tourists visiting T&T were typically well-informed and most were vaccinated prior to travel, significantly reducing public health risks.
“The current blanket suspension of access has resulted in the immediate cancellation of tours, directly affecting income for those dependent on the sector,” the release stated.
The release added that stakeholders were questioning the proportionality and effectiveness of restricting a single site, given that both howler monkey populations and mosquito vectors are present across multiple regions of Trinidad.
“This raises a critical issue of consistency and impact,” an unnamed tour operator was quoted as saying.
The tour operator said if the risk exists nationwide, limiting access to one location does not necessarily improve overall safety outcomes.
The release stated industry stakeholders were advocating for a more balanced, evidence-based approach.
Among other measures, TTITOA has recommended the strengthening of public health advisories that promote or require vaccination for visitors. The implementation of clear risk communication strategies rather than targeted site closures was also recommended.
“The virus cannot be geographically confined to Bush Bush Sanctuary alone. A broader, more practical approach is needed—one that protects public health while also considering the sustainability of the tourism sector,” TTITOA stated.
The association said the tourism industry continues to face significant challenges, and stakeholders are urging authorities to engage in dialogue to ensure that response measures are both effective and “economically considerate”.
The Bush Bush Sanctuary at Nariva was closed and permits to enter were suspended in March 2026, following reports of yellow fever activity including confirmation of the virus in a dead howler monkey.
Broadbridge stated in a telephone interview with the Express yesterday that uided tours have been conducted within the Sanctuary for over 30 years. He said this activity formed a vital part of sustainable, community-based livelihoods. A number of tour operators also reported yellow fever has been detected in the area before, he added.
He said a similar concern arose more than a decade ago, including the discovery of deceased howler monkeys which was attributed to the disease. Broadbridge recalled during that time, tours continued and the outbreak subsided naturally. He emphasised that no infections were reported in humans.
Broadbridge went on to advocate for the resumption and expansion of the game warden programme, which would help enable the State to monitor and protect important eco-assets like Bush Bush.
Attempts to contact Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj and Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram yesterday were unsuccessful.
