Last Updated on May 5, 2026, 7:35 PM AST by Anthony Morris
Tobago witnessed a decline in cruise arrivals for the cruise season 2025-2026. The passenger numbers dropped by 23 percent compared to last year’s season. The Island concluded the cruise season 2025-2026 with just 32 calls.
According to the Division of Tourism, this season the island welcomed 37,753 passengers and out of the above mentioned passengers 37,086 entered via Scarborough Port. Further they explained that out of total number 10,868 visitors went out of the vessel and explored the island’s popular landmarks including 3,753 people who went to the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, in Buccoo Reef which welcomed 2,070 people and the south Tour welcomed 1,776 passengers.
The organisation mentioned that with the arrival of the Marella Explorer island marked its last call of the season on April 10. The Marella Explorer also made the most cruise calls to Tobago and on April 10 the vessel marked its 10th cruise visit.
Moreover, stakeholders highlight their concern over decreasing numbers of passengers is trending in the island from last year. According to reports in 2024-2025 Tobago welcomed 41 calls and 51,069 visitors and preceding year the island witnessed one of the best numbers among the rest two season 64 calls and 102,512 visitors.
Reginald MacLean, President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association stated that lack of tourism marketing being done for Tobago is the reason for the drop in visitors. He mentioned that the budget allot for tourism marketing is low which is not sufficient for attracting a global audience.
MacLean said, “You have to pay for office buildings, office staff, travelling staff and the foreign entities that help promote you. Fifty million dollars is drop in the bucket.
“If you not willing to put a lot of money into tourism, all this talk about diversification is gonna be pie in the sky”.
Additionally, he also stated that agencies which have the responsibility for attracting cruise lines should be revisited and the federation has to look into advancing the infrastructure including the Port of Charlotteville.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
