Tobago

Tobago is Trinidad's tourism-focused sister island—a smaller, quieter destination seeking economic diversification away from the petroleum dependency that shapes the larger island. The island's 60,000 residents pursue an economy increasingly distinct from Trinidad's industrial character.

Tourism provides the primary growth sector. Beaches, diving, and eco-tourism attract visitors seeking Caribbean vacation without mass-market development. Buccoo Reef, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve (the Western Hemisphere's oldest protected forest), and boutique hotels differentiate Tobago from larger Caribbean destinations.

Agriculture and fishing sustain traditional livelihoods. Cocoa, coconuts, and vegetables provide local food; fishing serves both subsistence and tourism markets. These activities generate modest income compared to tourism potential.

The biological pattern is island differentiation: Tobago evolved toward tourism while Trinidad industrialized, creating complementary economic niches within a single nation-state. This diversification reduces national risk but creates internal inequality.