Hayley Booth, sales team supervisor at Blue Bay Travel, was recently part of a Tobago Tourism fam trip.  Here are her thoughts on her first experience of the island. 

What was your perception of Tobago before you went on the fam trip?

Renowned for its quintessential Caribbean charm, Tobago’s been a destination I’ve hoped to visit for many years. I was thrilled to be given opportunity to discover more. Prior to travelling, Tobago conjured up the image of green, green and even more green. Having sold the destination on a number occasions, I understood the island to be centered around eco-tourism.

How did that perception of the island change once you were on the fam trip?

They say perceptions can be deceiving and Tobago most definitely proved that. Filled with rich history, stunning white beaches, lush green rainforests and the most amazing food you will ever taste, it’s safe to say I fell in love with the island instantly.

What was the one thing that surprised you about Tobago?

The one thing that surprised me about Tobago was its diversity. There’s so much to do and see on the island.

Can you tell us your trip highlights?

The highlight of the trip was experiencing the culture of Tobago, particularly the food.  Being a self-confessed foodie, I took immense pleasure in eating at several local restaurants and tasting local dishes which created memories I will treasure forever. The seafood is to die for!

What was your favourite activity on the fam trip to Tobago?

The Nylon Pool stole my heart. Sailing down the coast looking back at the island’s beauty was nothing short of breathtaking. Plus, rumour has it you can bathe yourself 10 years younger, who doesn’t want to look younger?

How would you now go about selling a holiday to Tobago since the trip?

Since my return I’ve begun selling Tobago in a completely different light. I’ve been telling the world that there’s so much more to Tobago than meets the eye. The island’s beauty knows no limit, offering something for everyone. I’d urge anyone with the opportunity to visit, they won’t regret it!

Do you have any sales tips for selling Tobago?

Tobago is an unspoilt gem within the Caribbean, offering holidaymakers the opportunity to truly experience and immerse themselves into the local culture. Tobago isn’t the largest island, it doesn’t have 3000 hotels with 15 restaurants, nor does it have 10 water parks, however, the charm lies in that it doesn’t try to be any of these things. Tobago is such a breath of fresh air that’s rich in heritage, culture and beauty.

Stephen Smith from Tourism Tobago said: “Tobago is a really special place, full of natural wonders like the rainforest, waterfalls and stunning beaches plus wildlife like hummingbirds, tropical fish and giant leatherback turtles.  There is also a rich culture including highlights like the annual Carnival, Buccoo Goat Race Festival and the Blue Food Festival!  A visit to Tobago really gives visitors a feel for the ‘real’ Caribbean and I’m here to help agents sell holidays there in any way I can, through training events, fam trips and much more.”

In conjunction with Manchester Airport and with a view of promoting the Thomas Cook Airlines’ direct service from Manchester which will be re-commencing this November, Stephen Smith will be holding a travel agents evening event in Newcastle on the 25 October, at the Hilton Newcastle.

Travel agents can earn up to £20 per booking for making a reservation with any tour operator to Tobago. All you have to do is register at Tobagorewards.com and anytime you make a booking, log the booking details to receive your tax free reward.

Did you know? 

• Tobago’s annual ‘Blue Food Festival’ celebrates the root vegetable ‘dasheen’, which turns blue when cooked!
• Tobago is home to giant leatherback turtles who can be found laying their eggs on the island’s beaches at certain points in the year.
• The island is 26 miles long and seven miles wide
• Its climate is warm year-round, in the high 20C’s
• Accommodation ranges from small guest houses to larger resorts, but on the whole, hotels are smaller with fewer than 100 rooms
• BA flies twice weekly to Tobago, dropping off in Antigua; Virgin flies twice weekly via St Lucia (once during the summer) and Thomas Cook Airlines flies direct from Manchester over the winter

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