The Trinbago Festival, co-presented by Tourism Trinidad Limited and Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, made an “unforgettable entry” to the Toronto Festival circuit during the July – August school holidays.
In a statement, the agencies said the event, which was held at Yonge-Dundas Square on August 27-28, 2022, the weekend before Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th anniversary of Independence, included a food festival and cultural performances featuring steel, tassa, calypso, folk dances, soca shows, comedy skits, carnival presentations – including the traditional ole mas – and a surprise performance by Trinbagonian calypso icon David Rudder.
Agencies said the inaugural event welcomed an astounding eighteen thousand unique visitors over two days.
The organizations said the Trinbago Festival was “an important avenue for activating their respective diaspora campaigns in Canada, as well as reaching new communities who were drawn to the Festival and the authentic Trinbago experience it offered.”
Carla Cupid, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad Limited, said the company’s marketing team was overwhelmed by the positive feedback.
“Our partnership with the Consulate in Toronto is a model for future relationships with all our overseas missions as we seek to connect with Trinbagonians abroad who are excited to share our unique culture with the world.” She continued, “Tourism Trinidad Limited is on a mission to bring the Trinidad and Tobago brand to the world in collaboration with the Tobago Tourism Agency and this is the first of many future collaborations.”
Alicia Edwards, Chief Executive of Tobago Tourism Agency Limited said they were delighted.
“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response received from Toronto during our team’s presence at the Trinbago Festival. The interest in destination Tobago and all that we have to offer – lush tropical landscapes, breathtaking beaches and a unique vibrant culture – has reaffirmed why we think Tobago is the ideal holiday destination for Canadian travellers.”
“At the Agency we have been working tirelessly with our brothers and sisters in the travel and tourism industry to rise above the challenges of the pandemic and ensure our beautiful little island is ready to welcome visitors again. Our presence at Trinbago Festival sends a clear message to members of the diaspora and travelers from the Canadian market – Tobago is back open for business and ready to welcome you back!
Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette, Acting Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, said it was beautiful to see.
“It was incredible to see, not only Trinbagonians, but so many friends of other nationalities enjoying and fully immersing themselves in the beauty and richness of our food and culture.”
“The festival far exceeded our wildest expectations for a first-time event and has definite potential for it to be an annual undertaking. We will work with all relevant stakeholders and sponsors to explore ways and means to continue to elevate the Festival and increase its impact.”
Agencies said the first Trinbago Festival was made even more memorable by the city of Toronto’s recognition of the event with the special lighting of the CN Tower and the Toronto sign in red, white and black.
