European lines lift Tobago's cruise outlook

Growth this season is fueled by TUI Cruises, which has booked 10 calls starting in November.

Tourism Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine met with executives of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association lines during the FCCA's recent Platinum event in St. Croix. This followed visits to European cruise operators by Tobago transportation coordinator Samuel Henry and Miami-based cruise development consultant Henry Yaniz.

Yaniz, who called 2014/15 a year of recovery, forecasts Tobago will grow to 65,000 passengers in the 2015/16 season, climbing to 100,000 in 2016/17.

Island officials plan to attend Seatrade Med in Barcelona, where Tobago is among the event's sponsors.