Shastri Boodan
Nirala Abraham, one of the students who scored in the top 10 of the 2023 CAPE Tourism Unit 2, believes a lot more can be done to boost local tourism.
Abraham, who is now studying International Tourism Management at the University of the West Indies, was one of five students of the Lakshmi Girls Hindu College who earned a place in the top 10.
Abraham, 18, a resident of Felicity, landed in the fourth spot. She said, “ I feel accomplished and I know that hard work pays off. I entered the field of tourism to make a difference. My parents own and operate Abraham’s Southern Seclusion guest house in Cedros. I have been part of the marketing and promotions team at our facility for the past 5 years.
There is so much that we can do to attract tourists to T&T as a year-round product. We need to also push our festivals. While Carnival and the beaches are the major attractions for tourists, we are one of the few countries outside of India where tourists can come and witness Ramleela, Divali, Phagwa, Hosay. We need to market our eco-tourism.
In Cedros there is the less-known wetlands where the scarlet ibis nest a few metres from the roadway. I believe the entire country should be marketed with an emphasis being placed on T&T's cultural and culinary diversity.
I do hope to be part of this growing industry locally and or regionally when I graduate. It's something our region needs.”
Also placing in the top 10 from T&T were Asjanne Ramnarine and Veda Maharaj of Laksmi Girls and Afiyah Ali and Kadesha Francios, of ASJA Girls Charlieville.
