PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad –Trinidad and Tobago launched the "Discovering the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago" bird-watching guide at the inaugural American Birding Expo (ABE), Oct. 2 to 4, in Columbus, Ohio.
An introduction to the birds and rich diversity found on both islands, the publication was produced by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) as a resource for building increased awareness of Trinidad and Tobago among birders.
Commenting on the TDC's efforts to promote the dual-island nation as a premier destination for birders, Warren Solomon, TDC's General Manager, Marketing, said "Trinidad and Tobago's participation at ABE is an excellent opportunity for the destination to market directly and face-to-face with nature-oriented consumers and show that we really want their business."
"By launching Discovering the Birds of T&T at ABE we can also showcase the incredible array of wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago, some of which are found nowhere else in the world," he added.
As a bonus, visitors to the Trinidad and Tobago booth at ABE will also be able to access a free download of the The Birds of Trinidad and Tobago mobile app-developed by local company Digital Business, which features high quality, expert photos of local birds, and an interactive map for birders to locate rare birds and names and descriptions of popular birding hot spots.
The TDC is also hosting a birding familiarization trip (FAM) for tour operators from the United States who specialize in bird watching from October 1st to 9th. The group will visit popular birding sites in Trinidad and Tobago including Speyside, Asa Wright Nature Centre, Yerette, Hacienda Jacana and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Solomon indicated that initiatives such as the guide and birding FAM are part of an ongoing thrust by the TDC to raise the profile of the islands as an eco and soft adventure destination.
"The visiting group will have an opportunity to interact with local guides who are intimately familiar with the country's ecosystems and experience the vast diversity of the best bird watching areas in Trinidad and Tobago," Solomon revealed.
Trinidad and Tobago is also hosting two additional FAM trips for 2015 including a FAM for travel agents who were recently certified as Trinidad and Tobago Specialists and a Super FAM which has attracted US wholesale tour operators, travel agents and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com and Orbit to facilitate one-on-one meetings with local hotels and other private sector stakeholders.
About Trinidad & Tobago
Home to the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago is the southernmost Caribbean nation located seven miles east off the Venezuelan coast. Ranked the happiest nation in the Caribbean by the United Nations' World Happiness Report, in 2013 and 2015, the destination's distinct and harmonious blend of cultures, eclectic cuisine and environmental treasures continue to attract travelers of all ages to its shores. Birthplace of the limbo and the world famous steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, as well as a diverse mix of monthly festivals and events, it's little wonder that Trinidad is known as the 'cultural capital of the Caribbean.' Sister island Tobago offers a quintessential Caribbean vibe with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco attractions. Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest protected reserve in the Western hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rainforest. Come and explore Trinidad and Tobago-the true Caribbean!
For more information on upcoming special events and attractions in Trinidad & Tobago visit trinidadandtobago.com or visittobago.gov.tt
