SCARBOROUGH Tobago, Thursday May 25, 2023: The unspoilt Caribbean island of Tobago was the proud host destination of international Jiu-Jitsu retreat Rolling in Tobago, which took place at the Grafton Beach Resort in Black Rock from May 16 to 21, 2023.
The inaugural sporting event was hosted by local Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast Joe Moses with support by sponsors including the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), with the goal of creating a unique sport tourism initiative that allowed athletes and spectators to immerse themselves in the art of Jiu-Jitsu while exploring the breath-taking beauty of Tobago.
Over 30 participants from the United States of America, Canada, and the Caribbean visited Tobago’s shores to experience world-class training from renowned Jujitsu instructors and YouTube personalities, Jordan Preisinger, Jedi Does Jiu-Jitsu and Tyler Spangler. Between rigorous training sessions, participants enjoyed the unparalleled beauty of Tobago, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and lush tropical landscapes.
Alicia Edwards Executive Chairman at TTAL said:
“Sports tourism is an underdeveloped niche in Tobago with huge potential for revenue generation for the sector. TTAL is taking the lead by beginning to build the necessary corridors of cooperation – not just with the Division of Community Development, Youth Development & Sports – but with the organizers of established sporting events that attract visitors to our island.”
Ms. Nalini Galbaransingh, General Manager of the host hotel Grafton Beach Resort, welcomed the benefits that sport tourism events such as Rolling in Tobago bring to the island, stimulating economic activity and community involvement. Additionally, she noted that based on the substantial social media following and combined audience of the featured instructors, resulting content from the event will receive an estimated 4 million views, showcasing the stunning scenery of Tobago to the world.
Simone Scipio-Briggs, Tourism Business Development Officer at TTAL who worked along with the organising team said:
“We were happy to support the work of Rolling in Tobago’s organisers in bringing this unique sport tourism initiative to life. Through our Tourism Business Development Unit, TTAL is committed to continue supporting public and private sector initiatives that align with our destination management strategy, and encourage growth of the tourism sector in Tobago.
Up next we intend to work with the Rainbow Warriors which over the years has attracted over 600 regional and international participants to Tobago from the Caribbean, USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and beyond.”