News

MINISTRY OF TOURISM: Brand Turks and Caicos Is Still Strong

Published

7 years ago

August 24, 2017

#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

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.