00:00Attention was also given to future opportunities, including the exploration of a direct Toronto route under a prospective memorandum of
00:09understanding.
00:10The proposal is being viewed as a strategic move to expand Tobago's reach into a high-value market while strengthening
00:18diaspora links.
00:20Discussions focused on feasibility, demand, and the framework needed to support a route that is both commercially viable and beneficial
00:29to Tobago's tourism sector.
00:31According to the Division of Tourism, the discussion was timely and necessary, given ongoing challenges affecting the domestic airbridge and
00:40broader national conversations about its future.
00:43Both parties engaged in solution-oriented discussions aimed at improving reliability, responsiveness, and the long-term sustainability of the airbridge,
00:54which remains critical to Tobago.
00:57Caribbean Airlines highlighted its capacity to respond to peak demand periods, particularly during Tobago's festival calendar, with emphasis on Tobago's
01:07carnival.
01:08Opportunities were also explored to meet interested visitor demand, increased visitor demand, through vacation packages, charter services, and possible adjustments
01:19to international schedules.
01:21However, the airline stressed that all proposals must remain commercially viable, while acknowledging the operational and financial constraints facing the
01:31airline.
01:32The Division said any adjustments must also take into account residents who depend heavily on the airbridge for access to
01:40essential services.
01:41The meeting also facilitated frank discussions on improving short-to-medium-term performance, including scheduling consistency, capacity constraints, and disruption
01:52management.
01:53Both sides acknowledged the complexities of airbridge, noting the need to balance sustainability with national responsibility.
02:03Secretary of the Division of Tourism, Zorisha Hackett, underscored Tobago's position, saying,
02:07Tobago's development is inextricably linked to the strength and reliability of its airlift.
02:15As we explore new opportunities for expansion, we must also address the long-standing issues affecting the domestic airbridge.
02:23Our priority is to ensure Tobagonians are not disadvantaged, even as we work collaboratively with our partners to navigate the
02:31financial and operational realities of the industry.
02:35Acting Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines, Namala Ramney, said the airline remains committed to working with national stakeholders to
02:46enhance connectivity while ensuring operational sustainability.
02:51She added that Cal continues to focus on maintaining a safe, reliable, and commercially viable service while aligning capacity with
03:01demand to support Tobago's growth.
03:03The engagement was described as productive, with both sides agreeing to continue technical discussions and refined areas of collaboration.
03:12They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing data-driven engagement aimed at ensuring improvements in airlift, deliver tangible benefits for residents,
03:23and the wider economy.
03:25Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News
03:28.
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