SECTOR: Tourism

PROJECT NAME: Short-term Support Program for Tourism Development

(876/OC-TT)

TOTAL COST: $7,171,000

FINANCING:

IDB $5,000,000

OTHER $ 371,000 (Canadian Technical Cooperation and Small Projects Program - CANTAP Grant)

LOCAL $1,800,000

DATE OF APPROVAL: September 6, 1995

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The objectives of this technical cooperation are to: (a) establish specific preparatory and support measures to lay the foundation for viable tourism; (b) to strengthen regulatory, promotional, institu-tional and operational frameworks conducive to the sustainable development of the sector, as well as private sector involvement therein; (c) support small beautification, enhancement and upgrading measures critical to sustainable management of the country's natural resources and cultural/historical assets; and (d) enhance public awareness and community interest and participation in sustainable tourism as a means of both helping to manage the resource base, and spreading the economic benefits of tourism.

The project will consist of four components: (a) institutional support and market research; (b) small-scale upgrading of sites and facilities, carrying capacity and feasibility studies; (c) environmental management of tourism assets and eco-tourism ventures; and (d) community and public awareness. In each component related to natural and historical assets enhancement, a plan for sustainable financial operation and maintenance of sites will be developed.

(876/OC-TT) ENGLISH

CONSULTANTS: For the institutional strengthening component, consultants will be hired for the technical support unit, including a project manager to oversee project execution, a marketing expert, an accountant, a contracts specialist, an engineer/environmental expert to monitor the small works and environmental components, two tourism events consultants, five community and public awareness consultants, and two administrative assistants. These consultants will be hired for periods ranging from 3 to 24 months.

Consulting firms will be hired to carry out the following studies: (a) a cultural theme park feasibility study; (b) a land use planning study for Trinidad's North Coast; and (c) long-term market studies. In addition, a Canadian consulting firm will be hired to carry out a reef management study in Tobago (this study is being financed with CANTAP funds).

Individual consultants will be hired for institutional strengthening activities, training, and to help carry out the various program components.

GOODS AND EQUIPMENT: The project will finance the purchase of a recompression chamber (private international bidding will be utilized due to the specialized nature of that equipment), as well as computer equipment and software, airport furnishings, and video/multimedia equipment (following local public bidding procedures).

CIVIL WORKS: The small-scale works to be financed as part of the project include: (a) upgrading, improvement and extension of Maracas Beach facilities; (b) landscaping and artistic enhancement of the Port of Spain cruise and airport terminal, and the Scarborough Waterfront/ Terminal areas in Tobago; and (c) restoration efforts, design and installation of interpretative material to enhance the touristic quality of Fort King George in Tobago.

EXECUTING AGENCY: Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO)

10-14 Philipps St.

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago WI

Telephone: (809) 623-1932; 623-6022

Fax: (809) 623-3848; 625-7548