XVIBES J/C
The Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TIATT) officially unveiled its National Culinary Team during an awards ceremony at The BRIX Hotel on Friday, selecting the chefs who will represent the country at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean Competition, to be held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort this November. Addressing industry stakeholders, TIATT president Lisa Shandilya said the initiative goes beyond culinary competition, positioning Trinidad and Tobago at the forefront of regional tourism while showcasing the country’s rich culinary identity to key tourism leaders, investors and international media.
Shandilya said global tourism trends continue to highlight the growing importance of culinary tourism, with travellers increasingly choosing destinations based on authentic food experiences, festivals and cultural immersion. Citing the latest Mastercard Economics Institute global travel report, she noted that culture, cuisine and meaningful travel experiences are now major drivers of tourism demand. She also referenced Tourism Trinidad’s projection that culinary tourism could contribute an estimated US$77 million to the local economy by 2027, creating opportunities across agriculture, fisheries, hospitality, entertainment, education and retail. She commended the competitors, judges, sponsors and volunteers whose efforts helped revive the national competition and deliver a world-class showcase of local culinary talent.
Congratulating the chefs selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago, Shandilya urged them to train with the discipline of elite athletes under the guidance of Team Manager Michelle Young and Team Coach Jeremy Lovell as they prepare for the regional competition. She announced that the national team will host a series of public practice dinners ahead of the November event, giving patrons an opportunity to sample the team’s creations while providing valuable feedback before they compete in Barbados. Dates for the practice dinners will be announced soon.
