Tobago Tourism Now Struggles Amid Controversial US Radar Installation at Airport, Get the Details Here

Published on December 23, 2025

Tobago, known as one of the top holiday spots in the Caribbean, is presently beset with concerns over the effect that a new US military radar installation, which is already in place at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, will have. Added to this, other longstanding problems faced by the tourism industry, it would appear, is having a further negative effect, as it presently further threatened the island’s already vulnerable tourism industry. The issue was brought up by THA Minority Leader, Kelvon Morris, who spoke at the launching ceremony for the PNM Big Bold Red Deal for Tobago, which occurred on December 21, 2025.

The Impact of the US Military Radar on Tourism
Morris highlighted that the presence of the US military radar at the airport has had a direct negative impact on tourism. “Now you have the issue of the radar, so you can only imagine how much more it is impacting tourism,” he said. According to his information, several cruise ship calls to Tobago have already been canceled, and tourists who had booked flights, weddings, and other services are also canceling their plans by the day.

The radar, which was installed in November 2025, is part of a broader security initiative led by the United States to enhance surveillance and intelligence capabilities in the Southern Caribbean. The radar system, built by Northrop Grumman, is designed to detect a wide range of threats, including unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, rockets, and artillery. However, its installation has been controversial, particularly in the context of Tobago’s dependence on tourism, which is sensitive to both political and logistical issues.

A Rising Concern for the Tourism Sector
The tourism industry, which is a major contributor to Tobago’s economy, is already facing significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath left the tourism sector struggling to recover, with international markets remaining sluggish. Domestic travel has helped somewhat, but international tourism, which usually accounts for a larger share of revenue, is still underperforming. The US military radar installation, along with issues like airlift capacity and seasonal tourism, has now exacerbated these problems, making it harder for Tobago to attract the international visitors it desperately needs.

Tobago’s tourism woes are compounded by other factors, including a lack of sufficient accommodations and infrastructure to meet the growing demand. Morris pointed out that the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) government, which has been in power since the December 2021 THA election, has failed to address these issues adequately. He noted that there has been a lack of initiative in expanding airlift routes and improving the tourism experience for both local and international travelers.

Political Tensions and the Radar Controversy
The installation of the radar has also sparked political tensions on the island. THA Chief Secretary and TPP leader Farley Augustine has expressed frustration over not being consulted about the radar installation before it took place. Augustine has argued that he should be involved in discussions regarding national security matters, particularly given Tobago’s vulnerability as a tourism-dependent region.

The debate around the radar has deepened divisions between local leaders and the national government. While Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended the installation, claiming that it is necessary to protect the country from external threats, local politicians like Augustine and Morris feel sidelined in decisions that directly affect their constituents. In a recent statement, Persad-Bissessar argued that the presence of US military forces, including the radar system, was crucial for safeguarding Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in combating narcotrafficking in the region.

However, the political fallout from the radar’s installation is clear. While some argue that the radar’s presence is a necessary step toward national security, others fear it is undermining the island’s international image as a peaceful, tourism-friendly destination. For many potential tourists, political instability and a heavy military presence may deter travel plans.

Tourism Industry Reacts to New Challenges
The local tourism industry is grappling with the fallout from the radar’s installation and the broader political implications. According to Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawai‘i Hotel Alliance, the imposition of additional barriers to tourism could drive away potential visitors who are already concerned about the political climate and the country’s security issues. He stressed the importance of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for tourists, warning that the radar could be seen as an unwelcome development for those planning vacations to Tobago.

Tobago’s tourism stakeholders, including hotel owners, tour operators, and local businesses, are watching the situation closely, recognizing that the island’s tourism future is in jeopardy. They argue that the government must do more to address the underlying issues facing the tourism sector and ensure that Tobago remains a desirable destination for international visitors.

Looking Ahead: Navigating the Roadblocks to Recovery
As Tobago’s tourism industry faces mounting challenges, the question remains whether the island can recover and thrive in the coming years. For now, the presence of the US military radar, coupled with ongoing concerns about infrastructure, airlift capacity, and political stability, presents significant hurdles. However, with continued focus on improving local tourism offerings and addressing key issues, there is hope that Tobago can navigate these obstacles and regain its status as one of the Caribbean’s top travel destinations.

A Crossroads for Tobago’s Tourism Industry

Tobago is at the crossroads of its tourism sector. Various political, security, and infrastructure-related factors have derailed the tourism potential of Tobago, and the presence of the American military radar at the airport is the latest in this series of events. Although the security elements offered by the American military radar installation at the airport are well understood and recognized, it is also imperative to take cognizance of its influence on the tourism sector of Tobago.