Turks and Caicos Islands Celebrate Great Success in Tourism and Sustainability at CHTA Marketplace

Firstly, Hon Josephine Connolly, highlighted that the Turks and Caicos Islands have recovered well since the pandemic.

"In 2023, we emerged as the best performing destination in the Americas according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which said arrivals to the Turks and Caicos Islands more than doubled, with +127% since 2019. For 2024, we will continue to break records with air arrivals reaching new heights Our latest figures show that during the first four months of 2024 there were 271,326 air arrivals, an increase of 10.46 per cent on 2023, where 245,637 arrivals were recorded in. the corresponding period".

Projections indicate that numbers will remain strong through August, reaffirming its status as a top-tier destination in the region.

From January to April 2024, Turks and Caicos welcomed an impressive 5,031 passengers from the United Kingdom and Europe. This significant increase can be largely attributed to the start of Virgin Atlantic's continuous service, flight from Heathrow, London to Providenciales, which began operations on November 4, 2023. Additionally, the introduction of twice-weekly flights by both Virgin Atlantic as by British Airways has further strengthened accessibility, paving the way for new avenues of exploration within the European market.

The data indicates notable growth in arrivals from key European countries including France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands.

Looking ahead, projections based on ticket purchases paint an even more promising outlook for the remainder of 2024.

“We anticipate a total of 8,130 UK passengers, reflecting a substantial increase of 54 per cent year on year. Additionally, France is expected to contribute 761 visitors, representing an increase of 13 percent, followed by Italy with 513 passengers and Germany with 436 passengers, each demonstrating a notable increase of 55 percent year-over-year,” said Minister of Tourism of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commitment to Sustainability:

The destination has a firm commitment to sustainability, understanding the balance between development and preservation. The tourism carrying capacity model proposed for the Turks and Caicos Islands is based on four pillars: Environment, Economy, Society and Culture. Three models were developed: one for Providenciales, one for Grand Turk and one for North, Middle and South Caicos that informs developers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders in their strategies to develop the tourism sector in their communities without compromising the unique aspects that They make each area special.

Infrastructure Development:
The Turks and Caicos Islands are served by several international and regional airlines: American Airlines, Delta, Jetblue, SouthWest, West Jet, United Airlines, Sun Country, Silver Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, British Airways, Bahamas Air, Caicos Express and Intercaribeño.

Hospitality development: 

The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to attract a number of new property investments. New properties are expected to open soon: The Strand, South Bank by Grace Bay Resorts, Andaz Turks and Caicos at Grace Bay, Salterra Resort and Spa, The Loren at Turtle Cove, The Point by Grace Bay Resorts and Kempinski Grace Bay.