8 hours ago
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Senior Reporter
Concerns over a possible exit by international hotel chain Hilton have sparked political debate, even as industry stakeholders caution against alarm and call for measured engagement.
A Guardian Media investigation reported that Hilton has begun steps toward withdrawing from the State-owned property, citing long-standing structural issues, delayed capital upgrades, and financial underperformance. While the exit is not yet finalised, the development has raised fresh questions about the future of one of the country’s flagship tourism assets.
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley described the situation as predictable, arguing that the issues surrounding the hotel are well known within policy-making circles.
“None of this is surprising to anyone in the know, except that the current Government does not know how to proceed and, as usual, is trying to mislead the population through the media,” Dr Rowley told Guardian Media on Sunday.
He also challenged a key figure cited in the report, saying the cost of required upgrades had been understated.
“The upgrade that is required is not US$600,000 as mentioned in the story, but approximately US$600 million,” he said.
He added that negotiations during his administration had already reduced that figure and advanced the process toward implementation.
Dr Rowley maintained that a structured plan had been in place before the change in administration.
“If today there is still disagreement and dissatisfaction with Hilton, then that is a matter that must be explained by the Government, which inherited a smooth, ongoing, agreed process,” he said.
He criticised what he described as “misleading leaks,” adding, “This could be Nutrien II as the incompetence reigns.”
Former tourism minister Randall Mitchell echoed similar concerns, pointing to what he described as a breakdown in continuity.
Responding to questions via WhatsApp on Sunday, Mitchell said that prior to leaving office, the Government had already agreed on a phased refurbishment strategy.
“The project was to be executed on a phased basis through eTeck as owner and UDeCOTT as project manager. Technical consultants had already been engaged, and the procurement process had commenced,” he stated.
Mitchell argued that the apparent lack of progress reflects deeper governance issues.
“The stalling of the Trinidad Hilton refurbishment project is both unsurprising and regrettable. It shows a lack of strategic direction and evidences a failure to understand the critical role that diversification in the tourism sector plays,” he said.
He added that the situation raises concerns about the State’s broader economic planning.
“The UNC claimed to have all the answers, but we now know they never even understood basic fundamentals about the different sectors of our economy.”
Amid the political back-and-forth, the Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TIATT) is urging a more measured approach.
TIATT president Lisa Shandilya downplayed the immediacy of the situation, noting that upgrades are a routine part of international hotel operations.
“Inventory upgrades are a regular operational component of the Hilton-eTeck partnership,” she said after reviewing the report.
“These matters are best handled through joint internal dialogue.”
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