The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTTI), in collaboration with the Lifeguard Services Division, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and UDeCOTT, has commenced a Vendor Regularisation Exercise for persons providing beach chairs, umbrellas and tents at the Maracas Beach Facility. The exercise is expected to run until October 2026. This exercise is separate from the regularisation of food vendors at the Facility, which has already been completed. It seeks to verify beach-chair, umbrella and tent vendors and their equipment, support compliance with applicable requirements, and formalise approved operations through licence agreements, permits and clear operating protocols.
Following a sensitisation meeting on July 20, participating vendors were issued a preliminary data-capture form for submission by 4:00 p.m. on July 22. An on-site verification exercise will take place on July 23 to confirm vendor information and identify the chairs, umbrellas, tents and storage structures associated with each operation. Vendors will then have two weeks to relocate serviceable equipment to designated areas and remove damaged equipment and unapproved storage structures. On August 6, UDeCOTT, as Facilities Manager, will conduct an on-site clean-up. Items remaining at the Facility will be handled in accordance with the approved notice and removal procedures. The TTPS will support safety and order during specified phases. Formal applications will be accepted online from August 7 to 11:59 p.m. on August 13. Any clarification or outstanding documents subsequently requested must be submitted by September 4. Proposed dates may be adjusted as the exercise progresses.
Applications will be assessed against predetermined criteria. Submission of a data-capture form or application does not guarantee approval. Successful applicants will be invited to execute licence agreements and will receive the applicable permits and operating guidelines. Affected beach-chair, umbrella and tent vendors are urged to participate fully, provide accurate information and comply with all deadlines. Further details will be communicated directly and published on the MTTI’s official platforms.
The MTTI remains committed to the transparent and orderly management of tourism facilities and to supporting sustainable, compliant vendor activity for the benefit of vendors, visitors and the wider public. The MTTI thanks members of the public for their cooperation throughout this exercise as we continue our efforts to enhance the beach experience and establish Maracas Beach Facility as a premier destination for all visitors.
For assistance, contact the Projects and Facilities Management Unit at 623-2931–4, extensions 2423, 2438, 2445 or 2424, or vending@tourism.gov.tt.
