News
TURKS AND CAICOS WOOING BRAZILIAN TRAVELLERS
AUGUST 16, 2013 – PROVIDENCIALES, As Beaches Resort Villages and Spa in Providenciales prepares to close for six to eight weeks beginning September 1st reportedly due to slowed bookings, the TCI Tourist Board is aiming to end the trend of dips in tourist arrival numbers.
An aggressive digital marketing campaign has been launched in collaboration with two Brazilian marketing companies to introduce the Turks and Caicos to Brazilians.
The Turks and Caicos may soon bid farewell to the typically slower, summer tourist season as the Tourist Board launches an aggressive digital marketing push in Brazil. Aimed at attracting beach lovers, yachters, and divers seeking a luxury escape from the Brazilian winter months, July to August, the Board partnered with Ocean Eyes Productions and Viajan Turismo of Brazil to commence a series of campaigns.
Since embarking on the marketing initiative, the Turks and Caicos have been featured in an 8-page spread in Mergulho Magazine, one of Brazil’s leading dive publications, and in subsequent full-page advertisements to establish a base among the magazine’s audience. Promotional reprints with exquisite photography of Providenciales and Grand Turk and a 2-minute promotional video, narrated by Brazilian journalist and singer/songwriter Susana Bragatto – all in Portuguese, have been created to capture the market’s attention. In addition, Ocean Eyes Production and Viajan Turismo will spearhead four dive presentations at major dive showcases in several cities, namely Santos, Piracicaba, Jundiaí, and in São Paulo. Ocean Eyes Production has also maintained a blog, Oceano Vivo, showcasing their travels throughout the islands and updates about the dive presentations.
According to Banco Central’s Hotel Price Index, Brazilians spent US$6 billion on foreign travel during the first quarter of 2013, an 11.5% increase compared to the same period in 2012. They also set a record by spending another US$2.2 billion in foreign travel in May 2013, 22% more than in May 2012. Moreover, Brazilians rank #7 in the world in terms of the amount they pay per person for hotel stays: they spend an average of R$364 (US$160) per person, more than Americans or Australians.
With a rapidly expanding middle class of about 90 million consumers, Brazil is a market that no sound brand can afford to ignore. “There is no doubt that the Brazilian market presents immense potential for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” commented Mr. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism. “We have been studying the trends of the Brazilian consumers for quite some time and we’re very confident, with new development projects in the works and with the redevelopment of the Providenciales International Airport in progress, now’s a pivotal time to increase our visibility and position the Turks and Caicos as an easily accessible, luxury destination of choice.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
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