TCI News
Private Sector pushing ahead with bettering brand TCI without Government, Tourism Minister takes exception to statements
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 6, 2018 – Hotel and Tourism officials are out of the closet about their view of the Government’s lethargy when it comes to progressing tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands; reported upon in a media release yesterday where the TCHTA announced a new strategic alliance with Carnival Corporation & plc to promote and enhance the destination.
The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association appears to be more ready than ever before to take the reins when it comes to charting a clear way forward for brand Turks and Caicos. The organization, through its Board, spells it out, unequivocally in a Thursday media release.
“We can no longer wait for the government to match the industry’s ambitions and commit appropriate funds to overseas marketing and new product development,” says TCHTA’s Board. “There are many options to enhance the destination’s tourism experiences and enhance our current marketing strategy, so the TCHTA together with Carnival Corporation & plc, will seek to take a proactive approach.”
While there is push back from Government on this statement, the TCHTA expressed that its 130 members are basically tired of waiting for a national tourism policy to be implemented; the sluggish pace for the activation of a formalized, ratified plan is chided especially in the aftermath of the two major hurricanes of September and a dip in arrival numbers for Provo.
From their Thursday statement: “However, the industry is at a key juncture, with a reported 4% decline in arrivals in 2017 following a 1% decline in arrivals in 2016. While recent natural disasters have played a major role in last year’s arrival decline, many other significant factors such as a lack of product development, misplaced marketing efforts, no solid or collaborative tourism strategy, and increased competition from other destinations have all affected the destination’s performance.”
Magnetic Media contacted the Minister of Tourism, Ralph Higgs who in 2015 was the Tourist Board Director, when the KMPG National Tourism Strategic Policy consultancy was contracted and completed; he is calling for a retraction.
“As it relates to the ambition of successive governments, this statement is baseless and rather unfortunate and, quite frankly, should be retracted. It was and still is the ambition of the TCI Government and its people which attracted many of the members of the TCHTA and Carnival to our shores in the first place.” 
The National Tourism Policy and Strategic Policy is late, even for this administration. The Minister, representing the Ministry and the Tourist Board explained the delay for the policy roll out.
“The funding of the plan has been hampered in part by the recent hurricanes and blanket exemptions on import duties which the government had to provide businesses and individuals, including members of the TCHTA, to have their business and the country open for business. As the country’s income improves, proper funding for the roll out of the strategic plan would be realized.”
However, when Magnetic Media looks back, it was announced at the PDMs First 100 days press conference, held exactly one year ago on April 5, 2017 that funds were allotted to the policy creation and with an approved national budget, the Minister said, his government would ensure the recommendations of the KPMG report became a living part of the islands.
Remarks from Hon Higgs from 2017 PDM Press Conference: “For the first time since the introduction of the KPMG report, we have made funds available for the implementation of that report. So as soon as the budget is passed we will roll out a calendar of events carrying out the Change Document, consistent with the recommendations of the KPMG report”
Two months ago, a Cabinet Meeting report shared: “…the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming’s acceptance of the National Tourism Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands also referred to as the KPMG Report.”
Still it is unclear when and where and how this policy will go from three-year old promise to active policy.
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.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man