Tourism in Charlotteville, Tobago

Presented by :Amrit MaharajArvinda Gobin

Kevon NiranjanSafraz Mohammed

Shiva MaharajXavier Chapman

Charlotteville, a living paradise

Charlotteville , a friendly fishing village that lies at the northwestern part of the Island of Tobago and has a population of around 2500 people settling there. Often cruise ships make a stop at the Man o War Bay which is at the heart of Charlotteville in which the passengers make the locals very busy. The romantic charm of seclusion and serenity are always present in this small village with its several lovely bays.

What is tourism “Tourism is a collection of activities, services

and industries which deliver a travel experience comprising transportation, accommodation, eating and drinking establishments, retail shops, entertainment businesses and other hospitality services provided for individuals or groups traveling away from home.”

Taking a break Tobago is famous for its sandy, white beaches and

blue, calm waters. Tourists visit the place throughout the year for its relaxing ambience. Tobago, unlike the bustling Trinidad, is more laid back and has a serene atmosphere which makes it an ideal tourist spot. Charlotteville takes advantage of the laid back nature of Tobago by showing off its gorgeous beaches to the tourists as they lose themselves in time with hours of relaxation in the quiet, secluded demeanor. If you feel stressed by civilisation, you can find tranquility and peace and enjoy the slowness of Caribbean life.

The many beaches of Charlotteville Man O War Bay This huge bay includes smaller bays, such as

Hermitage Bay, Cambleton Bay and Pirate's Bay. Charlotteville boasts a beautiful mile-long (1.6km) sandy beach with good swimming. Chief amongst these smaller bays is Pirate’s Bay. This gorgeous little bay features multi-coloured sand and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. Two other bays worth mentioning are Dead Man's Bay and Waterfall Bay Both are remote and small and the beach virtually disappears at high tide.

Attractions #1 Some attractions of the lovely village of

Charlotteville that are very custom to the natives are marine based. As to indulgences and activities, there should be more emphases on scuba diving and snorkeling as vibrant propositions as the many beautiful beaches are amazing on shore, the underwater view is equally if not more breathtaking. The eager first timers would absolutely be taken aback as they see the beauty and majestic nature of the marine life and the snorkeling enthusiasts who would be absolutely delighted to see the many coral reefs that are mostly unharmed and unhampered.

Attraction #2 Another attraction should be deep sea

fishing. Charlotteville is a fishing village at heart and the local fishermen can carry you out to sea by means of boats to be in the shoes of the natives and catch yourself some fish. This can be either offshore, inshore or freshwater opportunities. Imagine catching the biggest fish on the boat and carrying it back to curry, stue or make a nice broth with your friends. There should be fishing competitions as well to bring out the competitive natures of us all.

Benefits of these activitiesThe village is using its resources efficiently. The village is

primarily marine based because of the fishing in the area and it takes full advantage of the beaches and the peoples’ experience of the ocean.

The more tourist that come, the more job opportunities and employment in the village and more customers in the local businesses of shops and restaurants which leads to more revenue and foreign exchange.

Preservation of cultural heritage as tourism activity often prompts the conservation of cultural heritage, either as a result of increased awareness and pride and it can be justified on economic grounds as a tourist attraction (cultural tourism).

Challenges that may be faced It is known that Charlotteville is a secluded area which gives it its charm of

private exclusivity which makes Charlotteville as well as the rest of Tobago unique. The bombardment of too much tourist will take away the exclusivity and calmness of the environment and in turn make Tobago just like any other Caribbean island and will be forced to leave behind its laid back status quo.

Too much tourism activity may lead into Trinidad intervening and enforce developmental options in the sense of modernizing the “Tobago product” and in return also affect change the approach of Tobago’s status quo. Trinidad is not concerned about tourism now but when the government see that tourism in Tobago is self sustainable, it will change it for what they think is for the greater good and result, Tobago would not be unique.

Too much tourist means too much activity on the beaches which may harm the marine life and may affect the overall ambience of the beaches as it is no longer calm and may have a negative impact on some tourist and locals.

Conclusion: Cooling Down

Charlotteville is a very lovely village in the eyes of its many tourists and is treasured in their hearts as their little private area, away from all the stress that life has bestowed upon them as they can just melt away as they lay down on the sand or swing on a hammock for hours as the noises of the sea waves ripple and the calm breeze hit their relaxed body as they think “Wow this is the closest to paradise I’ve ever been.” They can relax for hours and enjoy the pleasures of being a carefree, free spirited child again as their worries simply vanishes. Nothing can hinder your mood as the secluded area is comfort that looms and dignifies all aspects of life as there is a time for play. The many lavishing beaches almost makes certain that total piece will be achieved.

Under D Sea When the body is fully rejuvenated, there are

the activities of diving and snorkeling that has not been spoilt by development and provides world class diving in a relaxed unpretentious environment. It has a range of underwater opportunities from diving in sheltered shallow reefs to spectacular drift diving areas that will entice the mind. The many friendly sea-life may also have a tale to tell as they swim across the sea with a somewhat classy dance and grace. The coral reefs are also a sight to see as well. The deafening silence engaged with only the mind can see, with the eyes as its navigator would explore the garden untouched by man and the vibrating pulse of light is evermore present as the fishes go back home to their coral reef as it changes colour and the balance is kept as it is time to not hinder but the only thing touched is your soul and nothing is taken except memories.

Big Fish Passing Another experience awaits as you go fishing

with the locals. You and a couple of friends go out to sea with a few fishing lines and bait. The friendly fisherman shows some pointers as he catches a fish with the greatest of ease and grace as it is felt that he is one with the ocean is in one mindset with the fishing line. A cast of the line and a few minutes later and a fish is caught with the amazement of others including yourself as you caught the biggest fish you’ve ever seen with the most simplest of items. Even the fisherman is jealous as ha caught a fish half your size but quickly remarks beginner’s luck as he pats your back and laughs as it is all good fun and enjoyment. Now to go back home to make some nice fish broth with your friends as you see the sun sets upon the sea as it glimmers with elegance and such poise.

Feeling D Vibes The night is still young but there is no need to sleep.

There are so many things to do in the limelight as you feel as though you have some Tobagonian blood inside. You hit the clubs with some friends where you meet friendly and adventurous new friends, where they show you how to have fun the Tobagonian way as they show you how to really live it up. The melodious tunes of the steel pan play as you try to find a rhythm as you just watch in awe as you see the locals dancing as they show of their groove. They then pull you in to dance with you and you start to become a true Tobagonian. You learn to wine and dance and get on bad as the party really picks up as the evening grows, the very best of music is played with a mix of hip hop, soca and R&B. Eventually it comes to an end as the party winds down but its not over as you go back home with your friends and just reminisce on your hammocks sipping on a nice cold beer and just talking about what a great time you just had. You all had a great time as you all laughed about every single aspect of the trip. Wouldn’t you like to be there?

Bibliography www.mytobago.info/http://www.visittobago.gov.tt/http://www.facebook.com/pages/

Charlotteville-Tobago/195173655276