Explore deep and fascinating heritage in Trinidad and Tobago

Sugar and Spice Trinidad and Tobago is certified as a Heritage Tourism Destination

In May, Trinidad and Tobago was certified as a Heritage Tourism Destination with the Travel Professionals of Colour (TPOC), an organization which is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. 

Officials of TPOC authenticated the destination after being exposed to the diverse cultures and heritage during their site visits to specific sites in both islands, which included Moruga in South Trinidad, where Christopher Colombus first landed and highlights the Spanish heritage, the Caroni Sugar Plantations, in Central Trinidad where slave and indentured labour predominated, and represents both African and East Indian cultures,  the Amerindian community in Arima and the City of Port-of-Spain, with its unique Culture, History and European architecture as well as several sites in Tobago, including the Mystery Tomb in Plymouth and the Waterwheel at Argyle.

The entire Authentication and Certification process took approximately one year, with two site visits being conducted by TPOC’s heritage team, and the hosting of a Heritage Training Workshop in Trinidad. Certification will allow TPOC to market the destination through their agents and the destination has received associate membership with TPOC.  In addition, at TPOC’s Annual Heritage Conference Trinidad and Tobago will be allowed a promotional table and will be listed on all promotional materials, as well as  on TPOC’s Heritage website. The destination will also receive periodic Heritage reports that highlight trends in Heritage travel. Visitors will  experience the authentic and unique cultures, history, cuisine and sites and attractions in the respective communities in Trinidad & Tobago.

At the TPOC’s 2011 Heritage Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, the Consul General for Miami received the award of authentication and certification.

Sugar Heritage Village and Museum Project at Brechin Castle, Couva, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
The Sugar Heritage Village and Museum Project is a project being led by the Ministry of Tourism, and is being pursued in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism and the Ministry of Sports, as well as a number of other Governmental Ministries/Agencies and the corporate private sector. The Project aims at capturing, recording, preserving and showcasing the artefacts and legacy of the country’s sugar history, and reflecting its influence on the economic and social development of its people. This follows on the closure of the island’s sugar industry several years ago.

The project also proposes to utilize many of existing buildings on the compound, previously used in the Administrative operations of the Brechin Castle Sugar Factory. Components of the Project include a Sugar Museum, Meetings and Guesthouse Facilities, a Cultural Centre, an Exhibit of a Sugar Factory, an Archive and Documentation Centre, Golf and other Sporting Facilities, Agro Farming, Recreational Facilities and a “living” Sugar Heritage Village. The Project was launched in May 2011 signaling commencement of works, and is carded to be built out over  period of five (5) years.

Already, a Visitor Information Centre and Secretariat has been established. The contact address for the Centre is [email protected]