Trinidad and Tobago is often called the birthplace of the Steel Pan and Calypso music. Thanks to its diverse ethnic make-up, it is also known for its rich multicultural heritage and festivals, including the world famous Carnival. The destination also offers award-winning eco-tourism, delightful cuisine, and some of the best shopping in the Caribbean.
HOTELS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO
Trinidad and Tobago Key Facts
Location: Trinidad and Tobago are the Southern-most islands in the Caribbean, located a mere seven miles off Venezuela’s North Eastern coast. The islands are a 3 hour and 20 minute flight from Miami, 4 1/2 hours from New York and 58 minutes from Caracas.
Official Name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Capital: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Population: 1.3 million
Political Status: Independent nation and Republic within the Commonwealth
Climate & Weather: Tropical climate. Dry season (January through May). Rainy season (June through December).
Time Zone: EST (Eastern Standard Time), UTC-4 (universal Time Co-ordinated)
Airports: Piarco International Airport (Trinidad); A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (Tobago)
Airlines: Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Condor, LIAT, Copa Airlines, Surinam Airways, West Jet, ConViasa, Kuoni-Apollo Airline, Jet Blue
Language: The official language is English.
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TT $). Exchange Rate: $1 US = $6.4 TT (approximately)
Electricity: Trinidad and Tobago’s electricity supply is 115 volts and 230 volts (+/-6%); 60Hz
Driving:
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Most vehicles are equipped for driving from the right front seat. This is the case for most islands in the Caribbean that are not directly tied to North American such as Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands for example.
Getting Married In Trinidad & Tobago
There are four kinds of marriages recognized in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Civil Marriage
- Hindu Marriage
- Muslim Marriage
- Orisa Marriage
Civil, Muslim and Orisa marriages must be performed by a licensed Marriage Officer. Marriage Officers are ordained ministers of a recognized religious denomination or organization. Civil marriage is the most common form of marriage in Trinidad and Tobago and can be performed by a Marriage Officer, Warden or the Registrar General. All Christian marriages performed in a church are civil marriages, provided the presiding minister is a licensed Marriage Officer.
For further information visit here.
Meetings & Incentive Travel
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Strategically located between North and South America, Trinidad and Tobago is widely considered to be the gateway to the Americas and the Caribbean. As one of the world’s major producers of oil and gas, our thriving economy has been a catalyst for increasing airlift, advancing technology and telecommunications, and a rise in internationally branded hotels and world-class conference facilities, earning us the title of “Business Capital of the Southern Caribbean.”
Trinidad and Tobago is home to many international branded hotels including the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and Hilton Trinidad Hotel & Conference Centre. Trinidad can boast of having the largest conference facilities in the Southern Caribbean, evidenced by the successful hosting of both the Summit of the Americas and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2009.
An added draw is the duality of the destination. Trinidad’s sister-isle, Tobago, is only a 25-minute flight or 3-hour ferry ride away. The quintessential Caribbean island, tranquil Tobago is the perfect location for a corporate retreat or post-conference getaway.
A one–stop shop for meeting planners, the Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau stands ready to ensure the success of your meeting. The Bureau provides a wide range of complimentary services to ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free planning experience.
For more information, please visit: www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
Useful Trinidad & Tobago Event Planning Resource Links
- ESN Trinidad & Tobago Guides
- Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau
- Tourism Development Company Limited of Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Tourism
- Trinidad Hotels Restaurants & Tourism Association
- Trinidad & Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association
- Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association
- Association of Tobago Dive Operators
