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TCI: Invitation – Tourist Accommodation (Licensing) Ordinance, 1979 Consultation

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#TurksandCaicos, November 8, 2017 – Providenciales – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture & Gaming is inviting public feedback on the proposed changes to the Tourist Accommodation (Licensing) Ordinance, 1979 which seeks to address longstanding issues as it relates to lack of adherence to provisions outlined in the Ordinance and loss of government’s revenue.

In addition to correcting these deficiencies, the amendments aim to:

o To amend the language of Section 2 – Definition of Lodging;

o To amend current language of Section 16 – Penalties;

o To amend current language of Section 17 (3)- License Fee;

o To amend current language of Section 4 – Board may grant license;

o To propose new Inspection Fee.

The Ministry aims to regularize its relationship with Airbnb through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).   This is not an uncommon position, as many other countries have done so. As we attempt to address issues of revenue and maintenance of quality and standards with Brand TCI.

So far, the growth of Airbnb both locally and internationally is unprecedented and cannot be ignored.   Many of us are aware of the potential Airbnb has for revenue generation as a source of income for both individuals and the country.   A partnership arrangement with TCI would seek to garner global recognition and assistance needed in order to get our industry back on path.

The Ministry of Tourism is gravely concerned that if left unregulated, there can be fall out.  To mitigate against this risk, we are proposing several changes to the ordinance and regulations.  These proposed changes we believe are sufficient to give the TB the authority it needs to inspect premises and hold persons accountable to adherence of the law.

As a Tourism stakeholder your views, comments, and suggestions are critical to the progression of any proposed amendments.   As end users it is important that we have your cooperation to be sure of any measure of success.

With this in mind, we are asking you to peruse the attached list of proposed changes with your knowledge and experience of and with Airbnb, and respond to the questions outlined:

  1. Do you consider these changes as warranted? (Yes/No). Please respond separately for each question.
  2. If you said yes to any, please explain your response. (e.g. Fees too high, or too low, etc.)
  3. Are they sufficient to address your concerns regarding Airbnbs? (Yes/No)
  4. If your response is no, to question 3, please list areas of concerns you believe are not covered in the proposed amendments?

The Ministry of Tourism, in its efforts to foster partnerships with Airbnb and other core stakeholders is convinced that this intervention will be a catalyst for the industry’s growth in its ability to provide assurances of quality standards and compliance with local and international legislation.

Consultation Period – October 17th to November 16th, 2017

Ways to respond:

1) By email to correspondence documentation on TCIG website and Tourist Board website touristaccommodation2017@gov.tc

2) Face to face engagements with stakeholder groups by invitation.

Source documents are accessible on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website at web address www.gov.tc or, Turks & Caicos Tourism website, www.turksandcaicostourism.com

We look forward to your attendance.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Cherylann Jones

P/S MOTECHG

 

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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