Destination Trinidad featured in national travel magazine

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Destination Trinidad is the focus of 14-page feature entitled, “The Song of Trinidad,” and features nine full pages of spectacular photography of Carnival imagery like steel bands in action and “ole mas” characters as well as stunning images of Paria Beach and hummingbirds.

Authored by Eric Felten with photographs by Aaron Huey, the article featured in the August-September issue of National Geographic Traveler Magazine, focuses on elements of Carnival, the destination’s “liming” culture, and ecological sites and attractions.

The National Geographic Traveler feature is a direct result of a Media Familiarization Trip for North American Markets, hosted by the Tourism Development Company in February 2016. Felten and Huey, along with nine other journalists and photographers from North American publications like Rolling Stone Magazine, Ebony Magazine and others, each came with a unique destination focus, ranging from music and culture, to steelpan and outdoor travel, Carnival, and Caribbean Lifestyle. Their itinerary included attending Panorama Finals, participating in J’Ouvert, visiting mas camps and touring the island’s various sites and attractions.

The main objective of the trip was to increase consumer awareness of Carnival and the destination through editorial coverage in major US publications, and to showcase the diversity and creativity behind the events. Mr. Warren Solomon, TDC’s Acting CEO stressed the importance of media familiarization trips to destination marketing. “Being able to attract reputable media outlets with extensive and targeted reach remains a priority of the TDC. Not only does this enable us to tell the Trinidad & Tobago story to a far-reaching audience, but it also takes our engagement with that audience to new and exciting levels. As the country continues to grapple with declining income, the TDC, as the agency responsible for marketing and promoting Trinidad & Tobago, continues to find more cost-effective ways to ensure that the destination remains in the list of vacation options for international travelers,” he said.

National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine. Through powerful storytelling and photography, each issue inspires curious readers with stories that show the transformative power of travel. Go beyond the usual tourist fare for authentic experiences—many from a local’s point of view—with expert advice and tips for travel that is sustainable and smart. To view the digital version of the article, please click here.

Home to the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago is the southernmost Caribbean nation located seven miles east off the Venezuelan coast. Ranked the happiest nation in the Caribbean by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report, in 2013 and 2015, the destination’s distinct and harmonious blend of cultures, eclectic cuisine and environmental treasures continue to attract travelers of all ages to its shores. Birthplace of the limbo and the world famous steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, as well as a diverse mix of monthly festivals and events, it’s little wonder that Trinidad is known as the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean.’ Sister island Tobago offers a quintessential Caribbean vibe with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco attractions. Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest protected reserve in the Western hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rainforest. Come and explore Trinidad and Tobago-the true Caribbean!

For more information on Trinidad & Tobago, visit gotrinidadandtobago.com or visittobago.gov.tt

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