TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GOES GREEN

Port of Spain, Trinidad – January 21, 2008 – Winning several prestigious eco-awards including the World Travel Awards “Best Eco–Destination in the World” and Caribbean Travel Awards Committee’s “#1 Eco-Destination in the Caribbean”, the dual island nation of Trinidad & Tobago has taken the lead as one of the most environmentally conscious, bio-diverse and eco–adventurous destinations.  A prime spot for nature enthusiasts, these rich and rare islands offer a wide variety of activities including world-class bird watching, hiking, kayaking, biking and cave exploration.

            Trinidad, known to many for their world famous Carnival, is home to much more than that. The island nation is vigilant about protecting its natural treasures, from the rainforest to the turtles that nestle on the beaches. Eco-travelers can bask in the primitive beauty of Paria Springs Eco-Community, an enclave dedicated to the preservation of the environment while facilitating responsible eco-adventure tourism. There are guided hiking tours to Trinidad’s highest mountain, El Cerro Del Aripo. Standing at 3,085 feet, it hosts the islands oldest rock formations. Bird watchers and nature lovers can take a step in the “Wright” direction by exploring The Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. Nestled in the foothills of East Trinidad, this 1200-acre reserve is home to approximately 140 species of birds making it the most densely populated island in the world for avian species. There visitors may also witness the magnificent diversity of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and native plants. Naturalist guides take visitors on nature tours and hikes through the rugged terrain and rainforest trail where one can view exotic birds or rainforest animals feeding at the feeders. Bird aficionados can take a guided boat tour through The Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary, the largest mangrove swamp in Trinidad and home to the national bird, the Scarlet Ibis.

            Tobago is an ideal eco–adventure oasis offering visitors an array of activities from the moment they arrive.  Adventure seeking travelers may answer nature’s beckoning call and explore the Main Forest Ridge Rainforest, named the World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination by The World Travel Awards. Dedicated in 1765, it is the oldest rainforest preserve in the western hemisphere and home to an incredibly diverse biological eco-system. Hikers can trek to Argyle Waterfalls featuring nature trails sheltered by tall trees and bamboo groves and a three-tiered waterfall. From the novice to the experienced, divers can venture beneath the crystal waters of Tobago’s coast in Speyside, Pigeon Point or Englishman’s Bay to catch glimpses of barracudas, dolphins, whale sharks, parrotfish and queen. Tobago boasts the world’s largest brain coral and is also one of the few locations in the world where divers can regularly swim with manta rays.        

            Trinidad & Tobago is located in the southeastern region of the Caribbean. Trinidad & Tobago, with their careful approach to tourism offers one of the last absolutely unspoiled Caribbean destinations. Trinidad, the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean,’ is home to the world famous Carnival and the birth place of the steel pan drum. Tobago, sister island to Trinidad, is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, award winning eco attractions and private villas. For more information please visit, www.gotrinidadandtobago.com.

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