Maximising our Potential

Trinidad and Tobago is well-positioned to be a prime destination for international sporting events, boasting breathtaking natural scenery, quality accommodations, and convenient proximity between venues. In Tobago for instance, venues such as Courland and Plymouth Ground offer not only decent facilities but also stunning backdrops of the sea and hills, creating a uniquely inspiring atmosphere for athletes and teams and a luxury for video productions. The geographical advantage of our islands also cannot be overlooked; with most training grounds, hotels, and competition venues within 30 to 45 minutes of each other, athletes and teams can easily navigate between locations without the burden of long travel times, once properly coordinated.

Our accommodations, coupled with the beauty of the landscape, set the stage for us to shine in the world of sports tourism.

These natural advantages can allow us to host prestigious international events and create an environment that fosters peak performance for athletes. With the right focus on our hospitality and infrastructure, Trinidad and Tobago could regularly host world-class competitions that bring lasting benefits to our sporting and tourism sectors. I recall the Beach Soccer tournaments hosted at Turtle Beach, Tobago, some years ago, which saw international teams and players from Europe, Latin America, and North America quietly entering our shores and later describing their experience as a “piece of heaven on earth.”

Areas for Improvement: Hospitality and Infrastructure

While our potential is clear, there are areas we must address to fully capitalise on this opportunity. I state these not as a critic but because I know the potential and all of us stakeholders have a responsibility to maximise this. Hospitality is a cornerstone of successful international events, and it must be consistent, efficient, and warm across all touchpoints—from the moment teams and officials arrive at the airport until the final whistle is blown. At times, our hospitality falls short. Some facilities and services are slow to adapt to the evolving needs of international sports teams. Seamless, prompt service is crucial to creating an environment where athletes and officials can focus on their roles without distractions or unnecessary challenges.

Moreover, our infrastructure needs attention. Simple improvements, such as upgrading roads, ensuring timely transportation, and having modern, easily accessible facilities, can make a considerable difference in the perception of Trinidad and Tobago as a serious sporting destination. Equally important is our ability to be flexible and adaptable to late requests, changes in schedules, and unforeseen circumstances. Teams and athletes often have to deal with tight timelines and unexpected disruptions, and our ability to handle these challenges swiftly and professionally will set us apart.

A noticeable area for improvement is in the attitudes and behaviours of some of our service providers. In international competitions, hospitality is not just a requirement; it’s an essential part of the experience. Unfortunately, there are instances in which staff, as we experienced in recent times, seemed to view their role as burdensome. While some were polite and helpful, others displayed an indifference that was reflected in their tone of voice and demeanour, which made it feel as though assisting our team was an undesirable task. This contrasts sharply with our experience in other countries like Honduras, the US, or other parts of Europe and Asia.

Learning from International Standards: The Motagua Example

Our Trinidad and Tobago team had the privilege of training at the Motagua facility in Honduras, home of the football club, which, despite being modest, was remarkably well-maintained. The commitment to excellence was clear—the facility had round-the-clock maintenance, ensuring that the field conditions were ideal for professional athletes. Such attention to detail, from ensuring that the grounds were well-kept to providing equipment and support at a moment’s notice, contributed significantly to the quality of training sessions and overall experience.

Furthermore, the hotel staff in Honduras went above and beyond to accommodate the needs of our team. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that they took pride in hosting us. Every effort was made to ensure the convenience of our players and staff, from handling special dietary requests to adjusting schedules for optimal rest and recovery. Their attitude reflected an understanding of the value of good service—making it clear that it was a privilege for them to host a professional international sports team.

In contrast, our experience in Tobago revealed a gap in this level of service. While some staff were courteous, others approached their duties with a lack of enthusiasm or care, as though providing good service was a burden rather than an opportunity. The contrast in attitude—from the welcoming, attentive demeanour in Honduras to the at times indifferent approach in Tobago—illustrates the areas we must address if we are to compete as a host of international sporting events.

Building the Right Culture

In order to elevate our international sporting profile, we need to instill a culture of pride in service among our hospitality and event staff. Just as in Honduras, where the entire team at the hotel and the training ground was clearly briefed and prepared to ensure that their work was conducive to the needs of elite athletes, we must adopt a similar approach. This means not just maintaining our facilities at a high standard but ensuring that everyone involved in the sporting event—from the groundskeepers to the hotel staff to the transportation providers—understands the importance of their role in making the athletes’ stay seamless and comfortable.

Investing in training for staff, from how to handle international guests to understanding the specific needs of sports teams, will go a long way in improving the experience. If Trinidad and Tobago can adopt these best practices—focussing on excellent hospitality, maintaining a professional standard of infrastructure, and fostering an attitude of pride and privilege in hosting international teams—we will set ourselves apart as a top destination for world-class sporting events. Our culture from an entertainment standpoint is already an attraction that visitors will relish, and our food goes without question. Integrating all the ingredients is up to us.

In my experience of engaging with facilities and sporting events both at home and abroad for over two decades, Trinidad and Tobago has demonstrated its ability to exceed expectations when hosting major events. We have the potential, the natural beauty, and the infrastructure to deliver exceptional experiences for teams and athletes. However, one recurring challenge is our tendency to get serious only mere days before a major event. Often, we find ourselves trying to reinvent the wheel at the most unsuitable times. This reactive approach puts unnecessary pressure on our teams and staff, and it ultimately affects the quality of the event.

We must adopt a more consistent, always-ready approach. There is no reason why we should not be hosting more high-profile teams, athletes, and international events than we are currently doing. By maintaining high standards year-round and being proactive in our preparations, we can ensure that every event—whether big or small—meets the expectations of the teams, fans, and officials. Consistency is the key to building our reputation as a premier destination for global sporting events, and with the right mindset, we can achieve that.

Editor’s note

Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Media. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has travelled to 88 countries during his journey in sport. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation. shaunfuentes@yahoo.com

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