Carnival 2017 is upon us, and EBUZZTT is committed to sharing with you, our readers, a behind the scenes look at the dedicated people who contribute to what is, in essence, the greatest show on earth.

Ever heard about Plan TnT? Well, they’re a destination management company that offers all-inclusive packages to persons planning to visit Trinidad and Tobago for carnival. The company’s brainchild of Kemba Phillip.

In an exclusive interview with EBUZZTT, Kemba said Plan TNT targets travellers between the ages of 18 to 40 years of age. Here’s what else we learnt in our little one on one:

EBUZZ: What is PLAN TNT?

KEMBA: PLAN Trinidad and Tobago (PLAN TNT) is a destination management company specializing in providing all-inclusive packages to Trinidad and Tobago for 18-40s market of travelers.

EBUZZ: When/ how was PLAN TNT conceptualized?

KEMBA: Studying and living abroad, at every given opportunity, be it a class presentation or a general introductory for a new class, I would speak about Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and festivals, beaches and lifestyle. Soon many classmates, friends and even lecturers started asking for more information and expressed an interest in traveling with me when I returned home for vacation. After becoming a gratis ‘travel consultant’ and ‘destination hostess’ the idea to formalize this service was conceptualized.

PLAN TNT hosted its first official group of travelers in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 for Trinidad carnival. The all-inclusive package included 5 days of carnival in Trinidad followed by 3 days in Tobago for water sports and adventure.

EBUZZ: Who powers PLAN TNT?

KEMBA: PLAN TNT was originally run and managed solely by me…yours truly *insert smile*. The yearly growth of the business has led to an expansion of the management team. PLAN TNT now has a 5 member strong team and seasonal liaisons, and drivers.

EBUZZ: What are the services offered for Carnival?

KEMBA: PLAN TNT offers everything from arrival to departure. We offer a full and comprehensive all-inclusive package, which covers airport transfers, accommodation, carnival costumes, J’ouvert packages, fetes, sightseeing, liaison services, and ground transportation. We also offer Tobago as an additional option for guests wanting this experience. Some of the options available in the Tobago package include diving, water sports, off-roading, birdwatching and eco-adventure.

EBUZZ: What other products/Services do you offer besides carnival?

KEMBA: PLAN TNT offers 5 standard group packages:

1. Trinidad Carnival

2. Tobago Jazz Festival

3. Tobago Easter Excursion

4. Tobago Heritage Festival

5. Twin Island Foray, which offers visitors a mix of eco-adventure, history, festivals, culinary and nightlife across both island.

EBUZZ: Has PLAN TNT been affected by the slowdown of the World economy?

KEMBA: To answer directly, not really. The slowdown was anticipated, as such packages were amended to offer fewer days, allowing us to reduce the costs per package. PLAN TNT also invested in the promotion in new markets namely the Caribbean Region, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Research showed that despite the downturn long-haul travel to new destinations from these regions was still constant.

EBUZZ: What parts of the World do most of your clients come from?

KEMBA: The majority of our travelers come from the USA and Europe. We have welcomed smaller groups of guests from Canada, Africa, the Caribbean region and New Zealand over the past couple years.

EBUZZ: Describe the PLAN experience

KEMBA: Personalized and professional.

EBUZZ:What makes PLAN TNT unique?

KEMBA: We are the only company providing all-inclusive group travel year-round catering to the 18-40s age group of travelers to Trinidad and Tobago.

EBUZZ:What can clients expect from PLAN TNT?

KEMBA: Quality experience and premium customer service. Our guests have no need to worry about any detail of their trip. Everything is pre-arranged with all the frills and trimmings.

EBUZZ:What do PLAN TNT clients enjoy the most about Trinidad Carnival?

KEMBA:J’ouvert! It is indeed a unique and liberating experience that 90% of our clients rate as the best experience of their carnival package. Coming in at a close second is the atmosphere and the energy of Trinbagonians. This euphoria is something that keeps bringing people back year after year.

EBUZZ:Do you get a lot of repeat clients?

KEMBA:Yes, and they usually return with a friend or two.

EBUZZ: Do you think enough is being done to encourage the growth of Trinidad Carnival?

KEMBA: There is still a lot more that can be done to build the carnival product of Trinidad and Tobago. There needs to be greater collaboration with the creative sector and the tourism sector. Today, Carnival is mostly subscribed as a 5 day event. There needs to be more done to sell a longer carnival period. 2 weeks- 1 month! It is possible. The experience needs to be more experiential- learning to make and/or play a steelpan, not just listening to it on the street. Also making carnival costumes and the art of wire bending- instead of just coming to play or watch the parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

EBUZZ: What if anything would you do differently?

KEMBA: Adjust the carnival route. Take the parade down the high way or bus route reducing the bottle neck and long wait times in the hot sun for bands ahead to clear the narrow roads in the city. Creating a more comfortable parade route and allowing more visibility of large costumes. This will also give designers more scope to create larger and more creative pieces. It will also create a safer environment for masqueraders as large music trucks and wee trucks can safely lead and follow instead of being a hamper to the masqueraders.

EBUZZ: How can someone book PLAN TNT?

KEMBA:PLAN TNT has a commercial website, www.plantnt.co.uk. This allows persons to book directly using their debit and credit card or via PAYPAL. Flexible monthly payment plans are also available. We can also be contacted via email: plantnt@gmail.com and via Instagram: @plan_tnt

 Finally, the company, in it’s overview says it is committed to promoting its brand and by extension Trinidad and Tobago both regionally and international at major trade fairs and consumer shows like the TNT Travel Show and World Travel Market. With that in mind, Plan TNT encourages partnerships with local producers and businesses that wish to extend their reach regionally and internationally.

EBUZZTT CONTRIBUTOR: Dionne Baptiste

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