The ease with which visitors can move between Trinidad & Tobago has been maximised by substantial investment into the sea-bridge that links the two islands and a new terminal has just been unveiled.The new $18 million (£9.1 million), state-of-the-art ferry terminal was unveiled on December 4, 2007 in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, and is now fully operational.

The new terminal building is home to 11,000 square feet of commercial space and improved facilities include enhanced ticketing capability, a more efficient baggage check-in area, the addition of information points and a call centre (open from 07:00-19:00 daily), as well as superior access with lift capacity for 21 people and boarding facilities for wheelchair-bound passengers.

 

The old terminal began service in 1987, when the ferries servicing the sea-bridge were carrying 200 passengers at one time. In 2005 larger, faster and more modern ferries were introduced, reducing the crossing time to just two and a half hours. The impact dramatically increased passenger footfall, and a need for a new terminal became apparent; in 2004 the ferry services between Trinidad & Tobago transported 384,393 people and by 2006 the number of passengers had more than doubled to 813,644.

 

Transport Minister Colm Imbert said: “It became clear that the old Government Shipping Service Building was inadequate to service the growing demand and the needs of passengers on the inter-island ferry service; hence the decision to construct a new terminal building.”

 

Separated by just 21 miles, most visitors to the islands enjoy dividing their holidays between Trinidad and Tobago to experience the range of diverse experiences that the islands have to offer. Tobago is bursting with beautiful beaches, world class diving and eco-tourism, while Trinidad seamlessly combines a nature lover’s paradise and a vibrant party scene.

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