Published on
January 5, 2026
The Trinidad and Tobago economy is currently being observed through a lens of necessary transformation as traditional foreign exchange earnings continue to experience a notable decline. In response to these fiscal pressures, a significant focus is being placed on tourism and the creative arts as primary engines for future growth. Within the local discourse, the term orange economy is frequently utilized to describe a developmental framework where intellectual property and artistic talent are leveraged to create high-value cultural products. This shift in perspective is documented in recent evaluations by prominent figures like Martin Daly, who suggests that the nation’s survival may depend on its ability to successfully market its unique heritage.
Regional Comparisons and Market Positioning
When the geographical and economic landscape of the Caribbean is surveyed, it is observed that Trinidad and Tobago faces stiff competition from established destinations. Islands such as Antigua-Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, and the US and British Virgin Islands are recognized as dominant forces in the sun, sand, and sea tourism market. For instance, data indicates that Aruba successfully attracted over two million visitors in 2024, with tourism contributing a substantial twenty percent to its total GDP. Larger territories like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica also maintain a formidable presence in this sector, while the Bahamas remains a leader in cruise ship arrivals.
It is noted that Trinidad and Tobago may not be able to compete solely on the basis of traditional beach tourism. The volume of airlift and the inventory of available accommodations in neighboring islands far exceed current local capacities. Therefore, a strategic pivot toward a product based on cultural depth is recommended by economists and social commentators alike. The potential for a differentiated tourism model is seen as being rooted in the nation’s authentic performance arts and its renowned culinary scene, often referred to as sweet han.
The Intersection of Culture and Commercial Viability
The transition from viewing culture as a casual hobby to treating it as a serious economic product is highlighted as a critical requirement for progress. Observations made by Indera Sagewan regarding a performance of Parang with Rome underscore the awe-inspiring potential of local traditions when they are presented with professional rigor. It is argued that such experiences can be both culturally authentic and commercially viable, provided they are managed as strategic assets rather than afterthoughts.
Further emphasis is placed on the world-class caliber of local music, specifically through ensembles like the Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra. The argument is maintained that the performing arts should be regarded as a secondary oil industry for the nation. To facilitate this, the creation of a dedicated and safe theatre district has been proposed, which would involve reviving the historical connections between institutions like the Little Carib Theatre and panyards such as Invaders.
Strategic Planning and Future Growth
A phased tourism expansion strategy, as discussed by Professor Roger Hosein, targets three million overnight visitors by the year 2040. This vision is anchored in a diverse array of products, including medical, sporting, ecological, and Carnival-based offerings. However, concerns are raised that the current reliance on Carnival as the sole driver of cultural tourism may be insufficient. It is suggested that the Carnival season be rebranded as a broader first-quarter festival to allow space for traditional elements that are often overshadowed by contemporary parade styles.
The historical missed opportunities of the past decade are lamented, particularly the failure to establish the country as a premier destination for live concerts before the global rise of streaming services. In the past, state funds were often disbursed as a form of redistribution for energy-sector earnings, supporting specific promoters and artists without necessarily building a sustainable infrastructure. The need for dedicated concert spaces is emphasized as a solution to the growing tensions surrounding noise pollution in residential areas.
Institutional Support and Economic Diversification
The role of the state is characterized as being in transition from a simple redistribution agency to a facilitator of genuine economic diversification. Insights provided by Mariano Browne suggest that the fiscal structures of the past are no longer applicable in an era of diminished energy returns. Consequently, the cultural sector is being urged to adapt to a more self-sufficient model.
The necessity of creating pedestrian precincts and enhancing urban safety is frequently mentioned as a prerequisite for a thriving nighttime economy. Without these structural improvements, the ability to host international visitors in a safe and engaging environment remains limited. The intellectual property generated by local creators is viewed as a renewable resource that, unlike fossil fuels, can be continuously harvested if the correct legislative and physical frameworks are established.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Despite the inherent talent within the creative sector, obstacles such as noise pollution complaints and the lack of permanent, purpose-built performance venues continue to hinder growth. Live event promoters are often forced to operate in environments that are not optimized for high-fidelity sound, leading to friction with local communities. The resolution of these conflicts is seen as essential for the maturation of the orange economy.
Furthermore, the integration of technology and modern marketing techniques is identified as a necessary step for local artists to reach a global audience. While the authenticity of the cultural product is never in question, the delivery mechanisms are often viewed as being in need of modernization. By aligning cultural output with international standards of production, the nation is expected to capture a larger share of the global tourism market.
Conclusion and Long-term Vision
In conclusion, the path toward a resilient and diversified economy is seen as being paved with cultural and artistic innovation. The arguments presented by Martin Daly and other experts serve as a reminder that the window for significant reform is narrow. A collective effort is required to transform the inherent creativity of the population into a sustainable economic pillar. Only through the formalization of the creative sector and the strategic expansion of tourism infrastructure can the nation hope to achieve its long-term goals for 2040 and beyond.
