Rocky Point, Tobago....Park or Hotel?
The Environmental Management Authority of T&T has just approved a major hotel development at Rocky Point (Mt Irvine Back Bay). "Save Rocky Point", a Tobago NGO is proposing an alternate development for the site....a Nature Park. Is it time for Tobagonians to choose in a Referendum....Nature Park or Hotel?
In early May, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) of Trinidad and Tobago gave approval for a large development at Rocky Point, Tobago.
This development includes a luxury hotel, luxury villas and townhomes.
Development is being allowed 30 metres from the shoreline.
It is a development that is supported by the Tobago House of Assembly. They believe that it will increase tourism arrivals, provide economic stimulus, and create many construction jobs.
Top O’ Tobago, however, is not in support of the proposed development.
Right now, Rocky Point/ Back Bay is a secluded stretch of sand which lies at the base of the cliffs above; one of those untouched spaces that are so difficult to find the world over; yet so easily accessible in Tobago. We believe that this is what brings people to Tobago… ….those secluded stretches of sand hidden in between the cliffs. Tobago’s wealth are its beaches.
The proposed development is on public land; land which is owned by the Trinidad and Tobago government and being leased to the developer. One must question whether it may not be better used for public activities by residents and tourists alike, rather than for luxury accommodations.
Also, the terms of the lease granted to the developer from the T&T government, are hugely generous….a 5 year rent free term, a base rent of $1MM TT per year; a 7 year tax exemption. (See more at Something is Wrong) There is not much coming back to the people of T&T from this operation.
Furthermore, this subsidized operation will compete with the many hotels, villas and other tourist accommodation facilities very close by at Turtle Beach, Grafton Beach and Mount Irvine. All these hotels are on private land which they paid for. All these hotels are hurting for visitors. Tobago’s average hotel room occupancy was 36.6% during the core months of 2025, lagging far behind the wider Caribbean regional average of 63.7% (Source: T&T Ministry of Finance). It appears that Tobago has a room demand problem, not a room supply problem.
We must also ask ourselves whether Tobago is ready for this large development when its water and sanitation services are already strained. We have learned over the years that one thing tourists will not tolerate is “No Water.”
Recently, Crown Point hotels have reported recurring stretches of 5 consecutive days without pipe-borne water, causing overhead tanks to completely run dry. Also, there is reduced production at the Courland Water Treatment Plant due to low surface-water river flows. And, we at Top O’ Tobago, cry when we see the water leaks on the roads that have not been fixed for months.
All in all, Top O’ Tobago believes that the proposed accommodation development:
Will degrade the current ambiance at Back Bay and the nature and features that attract people to Tobago. (We observed a huge leatherback turtle re-enter the ocean at Back Bay during one of our morning walks in February.)
Is not the best use of public land. The public derives very little direct benefit from the land use, or the terms of the lease.
Will put more stress on a water and sanitation infrastructure which is already highly stressed.
Save Rocky Point , a Tobago NGO, is proposing that we develop the site as a Heritage Park and Nature Reserve with hiking trails and nature activities.
Top O’ Tobago strongly supports that vision. We believe that:
Improved airlift and accommodations are part of the tourism solution. However, they are the means, not the end. To be a sustainable tourist destination, Tobago needs to focus on the ends required. It needs to be ‘green, clean, safe and serene.’
The very high usage of beach parks like Pigeon Point, Buccoo, and Mount Irvine shows that beach parks are in much demand. Residents and visitors, alike appreciate the opportunity to participate in the marine and nature activities that these parks offer.
It is more equitable. The benefits of this beautiful public land will be shared by all T&T residents and visitors, not just a few wealthy homeowners. The public will be educated about Tobago’s natural treasures, both land and water, and inspired to take care of it.
We fully support the efforts of Save Rocky Point. We have signed their petition, and encourage others to do the same.
There are many in Tobago who believe that the Superior Hotel development is a ‘done deal’ since the EMA has granted their approval. And Top O’ Tobago did submit these remarks to the EMA before they granted approval. But we can only hope that the people of Tobago realise the treasure that they are giving up should the development proceed, and that, the other government agencies involved in the further approvals for this development, such as the Tobago Planning Department and WASA consider our perspectives before granting their approvals.
Maybe it’s time for a referendum …..Rocky Point Nature Park or Hotel?