On 26th November 2018, The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) signed a one year Service Level Agreement (SLA), at Central Administrative Services in Scarborough, Tobago, to relaunch the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification (TTTIC) programme on the sister isle of Tobago.

The TTTIC Programme (pronounced t-tick) is the procedure by which an independent body (third party) gives written assurance that Tourism Operators conform to specified requirements outlined within the relevant National Standard. TTTIC is a voluntary national quality assurance tool that is valid for a period of one (1) year and is envisioned to:

• Improve and standardize the quality of tourism products and services
• Increase visitor confidence in booking tourism services
• Provide an assurance to visitors that relevant legal requirements, basic levels of quality, health and safety have been established.
• Increase the competitiveness of tourism operators in the international arena
• Provide a framework for sustainability of the tourism sector
• To provide an avenue through which T&T can differentiate its product

These standards set minimum requirements related to the product and/or service including where applicable those related to regulations, infrastructure, equipment, competence and management.  TTTIC, is the first and only tourism certification programme in the Caribbean, developed and jointly executed by a National Bureau of Standards and a Tourism Authority.    Under the programme, TTAL will provide support and guidance to the applicants by helping them to navigate through the processes of certification and standard implementation.

The SLA was signed by Mr. Derek Luk Pat, Executive Director, TTBS and Ms. Korice A.Q. Nancis, Director Product Management & Destination Management of TTAL and was witnessed by Mr. Lawford Dupres, Chairman of the TTBS and Mr. Rodney Ramnath, Head of Certification Division, TTBS

Speaking at the event, Nancis, said the signing ceremony highlights the commitment of both parties to transform the delivery of service in the tourism sector.

“TTTIC is undoubtedly a progressive step towards normalising a ‘standards culture’ and raising the professionalism of our tourism industry… it was only natural for us to collaborate with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards on the implementation of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification Programme- TTTIC- through a service level agreement.”

Speaking on the importance of standards within the tourism sector Lawford Dupres, Chairman of TTBS, said the SLA would reenergize all stakeholders involved in the Tourism Industry.

“Tourism accommodations such as hotels and guest houses, bed and breakfasts, self-catering facilities, villas, tourist land transport service providers such as drivers, tour operators and tour guides will benefit significantly from TTTIC. I think we are here today to try and reenergize the use of these standards… It’s time we make this programme happen in Tobago… We want to sustain this programme and with your drive and enthusiasm we are going to do well.”

The TTTIC is an ideal way to showcase to the world that you offer quality tourism products and services. Obtaining certification will mean that your business practices have a platform to ensure that as a tourism operator you conform to the national standards of quality in your operations. Tourists and businesses are encouraged to look for certified tourism operators which can lead to repeat business, increased revenue and recognition as a professional in the field.

SEALING THE DEAL: (Left to right) Lawford Dupres, Chairman, Board of Directors, TTBS; Korice A.Q. Nancis, Director of Product Management and Destination Management, TTAL; Derek Luk Pat, Executive Director, TTBS; Rodney Ramnath, Head, Certification Division, TTBS