Trinidad & Tobago is a multi-cultural society, with a very diverse population drawn from all corners of the world. This has resulted in a vibrant and dynamic culture.

The conference organizers are working with the Trinidad & Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association to ensure that our delegates are able to experience all that Trinidad & Tobago has to offer.

Panyard Experience (8.00 pm to 12 midnight)

For the music enthusiast and for those who want a true taste of “trini culture” this tour offers a novel approach to appreciating the pulse of our people. The venue is alive with an atmosphere that will take you back in time to the origin of the steelband.

The steelband can be said to be a development of the Tamboo Bamboo band. Many decades ago a ban was placed on the beating of drums during the carnival celebrations. Then something happened. On Carnival Monday morning – Jour Ouvert 1937, a band from New Town swept into the city. Paying tribute to the then current film hit, the banner proudly proclaimed, Alexander’s Ragtime Band … a mass of jubilant humanity reacted ecstatically to its ample rhythm and noise. All sorts of improvised percussion instruments had been co-opted by the band, buckets, dustbins, pitch-oil pans, soap boxes, motorcar hubs and other noise making devices.

The discarded 55 gal oil drum gave birth to a new musical culture – the steel pan – the only acoustic musical instrument developed in the 20th century. From this evolved the melodious sounds of the present day steel orchestra with pans ranging from the highs of the tenor to the lows of the bass.

The tour visits traditional pan yards that are alive with activity since the bands will be practicing for the very prestigious “Panorama “ competition – the pinacle of achievement for the steelpan fraternity. The experience includes our local rum punch, beers, fruit juices or soft refreshments, a short history of the evolution of the steel pan, a scintillating performance by the resident steelband, maybe even an opportunity for hands-on experience on the pan. To complete the experience we will also visit one or two “mas-camps” where costumes for the two-day carnival parade can be viewed and purchased.

Includes: A/C transport, guide, refreshments.
Cost: US$60.00 per person.
Minimum: 20 persons

Angostura Bitters, Rum Factory, Butterfly Collection and Museum (9:00A.M. – 12:30 P.M.)

A must for those with a taste for history, mystery, creativity… and good rum.

What does a 19th century Prussian physician have to do with a popular Trinbagonian Souvenir? What secret formula is known by only five people in the world yet is brewed right here in Trinidad & Tobago? What does the top local rum-producing company in Trinidad & Tobago have to do with an extensive butterfly collection?

The answer to these questions and other fascinating facts will; be revealed as the Angostura tram takes you on an exciting and informative journey through the Angostura Bitters and Rum Factory… the Home of Angostura, established in 1824. Add to this a visit to the Angostura Art Gallery (for some of the best in local art), the Angostura Gift Shop (for a wide selection of local crafts and souvenirs) and a well worth it stop at the Angostura Bar (for a true taste of Trinidad & Tobago).

Includes: A/C transport, guide entrance fees
Cost: to be advised

City, Museum and Maracas Bay (9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.)

This tour combines the highlights of Port of Spain with beautiful panoramic views, sights of the countryside and a scenic drive around the mountainous northern coastline to Trinidad’s most popular beach, Maracas Bay. Departing from your hotel, we make our way through downtown Port of Spain taking in the Parliament, Supreme Court, shopping streets and the city’s bustling centre, Independence Square. Heading out of town we view the Queens Park Savannah, a 200-acre recreational park lined with exotic trees and interesting colonial style mansions with amazing architectural designs. We stop at the National Museum to view the Carnival costumes, amazing art and unique artifacts.

From there we proceed via Boissiere Village through Maraval and along the North Coast Road to enjoy spectacular views of the Paramin Hills, rainforest-covered Northern Range mountains and the Caribbean sea – with plenty of opportunities for photographs, and maybe even a little improvised Calypso music!

Our final destination before returning to your hotel is Maracas Bay – a beautiful palm-fringed beach backed by verdant mountains. Here you can swim, take a walk along the beach, or just relax at one of the beach huts for a cool drink and a Bake & Shark, a hot crispy shark sandwich.

Includes: A/C transport, guide
Special instructions: Bath suit, towel and sunscreen.
Cost: to be advised

The Oval Cricket Heritage Museum

From its humble beginnings in 1891, the queen’s park cricket club, better known as the “oval” has evolved into an iconic cricket stadium that is recognised the world over.

The oval cricket heritage museum was established in november 2009. Located within the brian lara pavilion, it contains photographs, exhibits, and historical artefacts featuring the cricket legacy of not only trinidad and tobago but also of the west indies. See for yourself the three bats used by brian lara for his record breaking 375, 501 and 400 not out, and the autographed bat used in the west indies tour of england in the 1950’s, with signatures of the entire team including those of the famous three w’s – weekes, walcott and worrell. Relive highlights of the glorious game through displays of cricketing records, trophies and memorabilia of west indian cricketing greats.

Upon arrival you will be greeted by one of the guides who will not only share with you the contents of the museum but will also give you a walking tour to view the grounds including the historic pitch and the oval media centre. You can also visit “the pavilion”, a souvenir shop located within close proximity of the cricket heritage museum.

Includes: A/C transport, entrance fees, guide & soft refreshments.
Cost: US$35.00 per person
Minimum: 10 persons

Disclaimer: While we make every effort to work with reputable tour operators, neither the Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago nor the Hyatt Hotel accept any responsibility or liability for these tours, which are offered by independent third-party operators.