Operators of small hotels in Tobago have reported an occupancy rate between 25 to 75 per cent of their total capacity.
The operators have blamed this low occupancy on the stagnating economy and the decreased spending power of consumers.
In Tobago East the occupancy figures were significantly smaller than Tobago West.
Kavita Singh, one of the managers of Asha Eco Resorts at Studley Park, said occupancy has been at its lowest since the economy reopened.
Singh said before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic business was doing well and her family was able to pay the mortgage and operational bills.
She said right now it is a struggle to pay the mortgage.
“Things are tough for people and I think that’s what keeps people from coming,” Singh said.
She said she was willing to offer rates as low as $100 per night per person to attract guests.
Checks at Crown Point indicate that occupancy was between 50 to 100 per cent in some establishments.
At Surfside Hotel, a spokesperson said occupancy has been around 75 per cent but they were expecting this figure to increase for New Year’s celebrations.
At Jimmy’s Holiday Resort a spokeswoman said occupancy was around 50 per cent with several cancellations because some people said they could not pay for their vacation.
Blue Horizon was one of the few places that managed to keep afloat and boast of 100 per cent occupancy.
Manager Kameel Mohammed said Blue Horizon was celebrating 30 years in operation and had a lot of loyal customers.
Visitors to the island said they were happy to be in Tobago despite the rough weather that led to the closure of beaches.
Alvin Douglas, a dive operator at Store Bay said there were fewer visitors than expected. He said his business was affected by the rough waters.
Selda Tinto, a visitor from New York in the United States, said the government should offer some incentives to foreign visitors.
Tinto said she planned to spend the day at the Nylon Pool.
When asked for a comment, Chris James, the President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association indicated that he was unable at the time because he was boarding a plane to travel.
