Government of the Republic of of Trinidad and Tobago: Tobago Joins the World Tourism Cities Federation at Qingdao Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit

A delegation led by the Honourable Randall Mitchell, M.P., Minister of Tourism attended the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2018, which took place Friday 7th to Saturday 8th September 2018 in Qingdao, China. The event marked Tobago’s admission to the WTCF, an international organisation formed by prominent cities and tourism-related institutions that serves as a platform for its members to share experiences and best practices towards the building of their destination brands.

Minister Mitchell spoke at the Summit’s opening ceremony at the invitation of Mr. Chen Jining, Chairman of the WTCF and Mayor of Beijing. The other members of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation were Mrs. Nadine Stewart-Phillips, Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly and Dr. Sherma Roberts, Chairman of the newly established Tobago Tourism Agency. The theme for the Summit was “Orient Industry Trends and Brand Tourism Cities”.

Referencing the theme of the conference, Minister Mitchell stated that it “fits well with the renewed direction and focus of specialised, island-specific branding for our tourism sectors”. Expressing enthusiasm to embrace city tourism, he noted that industry trends are showing that, “tourists are drawn in growing numbers to the vibrancy, excitement and diversity on offer in cities worldwide”.

Mitchell reiterated the intention announced by Prime Minister Rowley during his official visit to China in May of this year, to ease visa restrictions on citizens of China wishing to visit Trinidad and Tobago.

Prior to the Qingdao Summit, Minister Mitchell visited the capital city of Beijing. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Stephen Seedansingh Jr., joined the delegation to attend a meeting between Minister Mitchell and Vice-Mayor Mr. Wang Ning on matters of mutual cooperation.