Tobago: Manta Lodge Hotel reopens for commercial operations after a decade long renovation

Manta Lodge Hotel of Tobago has opened for business after 10 years of renovations that has costed over $29,300,000. The opening of the Manta Lodge is expected to create a significant boost in the tourism sector of the island nation.

The hotel has been branded under the Choice Hotel chain and is part of the Ascend Hotel collection. However, it has been managed by the state-owned project manager Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott). While shedding light on the opening of the Hotel, the Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine stated Manta Lodge Hotel was originally purchased by the THA for $8,000,000 in 2014.

“When you inherit a bad investment, you just have to roll with the punches, bring it to completion, and find a way to make profit on the on the back end,” noted Farley Augustine.

While recalling the long 3-year journey leading to the opening of the hotel and dive centre, Secretary Augustine stated that he took office in 2021 and that time renovations were still ongoing and managed by Udecott. Following that, in 2023, the keys of the Hotel were handed over along with a bill of $27,000,000 but the hotel was not yet guest ready.

He stated that UDECOTT again took over the project and spend an additional amount of $2,3000,000 to complete it. While emphasising on the incomplete work, Augustine asserted that they had to cut out to custom order, patio furniture, safes for the rooms, irons and ironing boards.

He further noted that the commercial kitchen was also incomplete so they had to complete its outfitting as well. Along with that, they also added a suitable laundry equipment with the installation of security cameras and other features.

Augustine also mentioned about the painting of the rooms and stated that the paints in the bedrooms were just falling off the wall, so they had to be repainted.

While encouraging the private sector and members of the public not to shy away from doing their part in investing in Tobago’s tourism, Secretary Tashia Burris stated that there are several benefits that can be earned from these types of opportunities.

She noted that these opportunities are not only just for investors and operators but also for the island of Tobago. She added that Manta Lodge Hotel represents a castle to enroll in the body, promising to create employment and to stimulate low balance.

This launch under the esteemed Ascend collection and part of the Choice Hotel chain brings within the promise of high-quality excellent services.

Administrator in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities & Transportation – THA, Julien Skeete also shed light on the facility and its unique offerings. He stated that it is an experience, a gateway and certainly an opportunity to understand and appreciate the unique and vibrant beauty of the Caribbean region.

Also, the facility features 20 beautiful design rooms and further to Dive Centre at Vantha Lodge is a facility that will open up a world beneath the surface, introducing the guests to the vibrant but real life and much more.