A popular boat tour operator in Tobago has become the latest casualty in the island’s declining tourism sector.
Island Girl Catamaran Cruise announced on Thursday that it will be suspending its operations in Tobago indefinitely as a result of the state of the tourism sector.
Sean Clarke, who has been operating the company on behalf of his brother Scott, who started the business with his wife Heidi, said the recent ferry troubles were the final nail in the coffin for them.
“In 2005/2006 we were getting 88,000 foreign arrivals, last year less the island got less than 19,000 foreigners. The final nail in the coffin this time of year where we get a few Trinis coming across for the Rainbow Cup and Dragon Boat, those are in jeopardy because of the cancellations of the ferries,” he said.
He said, as a result, they are seeing fewer bookings for their service.
In May, he said they did less than a 100 people in total, whereas last year they were booking 300 to 400 people a month. In previous years, the numbers were higher, he said.
He said though the numbers are dwindling, their expenses remain the same.
Clarke said all of their staff are fully employed with the company; the cook and captain have been with the company since it started 21 years ago.
Clarke said after weighing all their options, his brother decided to take the business elsewhere. Both Jamaica and St Lucia requested the service but Island Girl will be moving to Jamaica by the end of June.
“Jamaica is booming,” said Clarke.
The company’s staff will receive all entitlements as the company winds down its operations in Tobago.
Clarke said the decision not only affects their immediate employees but also those who they did business with such as the bus driver who picked up guests from hotels and the man who they bought $2000 worth of fish from each month.
“My brother set up this company 21 years ago. We set out to be a cut above everyone else, we cruise up the coast, we provide transportation to and from your hotel, snorkelling gear, and we were the only company to provide meals on a boat with stainless steel cutlery,” he said.
“It is very sad, we all love Tobago but we didn’t want to continue to the point where we couldn’t pay our staff,” he said, noting that there are hotels where staff has not been paid for a month or only get paid every other week.
The company’s announcement was greeted with sadness by many of their customers and hoteliers on the island.
Chic Boutique Hotel and Conference Centre said: “Very sad, and I hope that THA and central Government realise the implications of their ineptitude to support Tourism in Tobago very soon before other businesses have to make the same tough decisions. We wish you all the very best and hopefully you find a destination for Island Girl where Tourism is embraced!”
“This was so sad to read 😥 we’ve had such a great time on your trips, and we were looking forward to a 4th time next summer 😳Sailing along Tobagos coast with Island girl and you guys was such an amazing experience, we are never gonna forget, thank you for many good times,” said a loyal customer.
