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MINISTRY OF TOURISM: Brand Turks and Caicos Is Still Strong

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#TurksandCaicos, August 24, 2017 – Providenciales – Contrary to recent reports in the media, the Ministry responsible for Tourism/Turks and Caicos Tourist Board makes it categorically clear that there is no evidence to support that the recent incidents of crime correlated to a decrease in arrivals to the destination.   The Ministry urges the local media and our tourism stakeholders to verify any information before statements are made public as they can adversely affect the industry and our economy.

According to the second quarter arrival data released by the Tourist Board; overall visitor arrival by air and cruise ship increased by 17% or 350,328 when compared to the same period, April to June 2016.

Air arrivals to the destination recorded a slight 2% decrease or 2,655 less visitors through our airports when compared to the same period in 2016. The majority of these 2,655 visitors were from our two largest source markets, the United States and Canada.

The destination has already entered its off-peak season, which runs roughly from mid-April to mid-November.   It is important to note that over the past few years we worked to increase arrivals during this period, although they are not as high as in the traditional peak or winter season.

According to The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), travel to the Caribbean is expected to slow somewhat this year, following a mixed 2016 in which hotel performance was generally down, due to the increase in alternative accommodation arrangements such as Airbnb’s but arrivals from most key markets were up.    While the off-season is the time when potential visitors may find the best package deals, it is also the time when the Caribbean – including the Turks and Caicos Islands, is most likely to record a slight dip in American and Canadian visitors, as they can enjoy nearly similar weather conditions at home.

Several measurable factors may have affected the slight decline in air arrivals; these include, but are not limited to:  The Trump Effect – Americans are choosing to ‘Make America Great Again’ by opting for staycations over international travel.   Travelzoo’s spring 2017 Travel Trends Survey (Feb. 2017), finds that nearly 60% of Americans will travel domestically for their primary vacation this year.    Additionally, according to a recent survey by Skift, (an industry intelligence platform that provides information to sectors of travel), 42% of Americans are not taking a vacation this summer.    American travelers are also showing an interest in long weekends to Europe, with new low-cost carriers like WOW and Norwegian Air, offering the most competitive fares to Europe in recent history – $500 or less.

The Government, Ministry responsible for Tourism and its partners maintains strong interest in emerging trends in all our key markets.   We are optimistic that air arrivals will remain robust throughout the rest of the year, barring any unforeseen event natural or manmade.   The frequency of flights from most major gateways in the U.S. and beyond makes the Turks and Caicos attractive destination including for the last-minute vacation planners.

The Ministry of Tourism, through its public relations efforts is working aggressively to maintain brand TCI in the way we have come to know and love. We assure the travelling public that everything is being done to ensure our sense of security in our destination.

We continue to urge every citizen that we all have a responsibility for sustaining our tourism product, whether it is in keeping your surroundings clean, reporting any criminal activity you may see or know of, and responsible-use of your social media platforms.   Tourism is indeed everyone’s business- Let us all do our part.

Press Release: TCIG

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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