Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Race for the Conch

Published

on

#Providenciales, June 14, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Ready for the “Race for the Conch” 2018!

Preparations almost complete for the next Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” EcoSeaSwim set for Saturday morning July 7, 2018. Now in its 9th year, the annual swim competition will once again feature 2.4 mile (Ironman), 1 mile, and 1/2 mile events, plus a 100 meter Children’s Swim for kids 10 and under. As before, the swim races will start and finish on the beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe.

The race typically draws close to 100 swimmers from the US and Canada and other countries, making it a premier international sporting event for the Turks & Caicos. Founder / Director Ben Stubenberg said TCI has become well-known now as an open water race destination. “The perfect open water conditions of Grace Bay tend to spoil any swimmer who glides through these waters, but I hear time and again how they also love the friendly island welcome. Always nice to see so many visitors organizing their vacations around the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim. It showcases the best of TCI and benefits the local economy tremendously.”

Swim organizers are especially pleased to see a steady increase in TCI swimmer participation, as both swim clubs and interest in swimming has grown over the past couple of years. Co-Founder / Director Chloe Zimmermann stated, “We’re delighted that we can provide a venue for TCI swimmers to test themselves, as well as compete against top swimmers. The benign water conditions, particularly this time of the year, make it easy for swimmers new to open water swimming to get started. At the same time, the fast swimmers like the fast course and serious competition. So, something for everyone.”

As an “Eco” SeaSwim,” the event is keenly conscious of its environmental responsibility and strongly promotes use of reef safe sunscreens that are free of the reef destroying chemical oxybenzone. Race directors are delighted to have Aloe Up as the official reef safe sunscreen this year. Aloe Up will be providing free sunscreen on the beach for all swimmers and spectators. At the same time, the event will be using biodegradable straws and cups for it’s official rehydration drink NUUN and coconuts provided by CocoVibes.

Race organizers have invited star US Masters and open water swimmer, Eney Jones, to take part in the race and hold swim clinics on Provo. More information will be forthcoming on that next week.

Proceeds from the “Race for the Conch” goes to Provo Children’s Home and other local charities.

TCI swimmers should register for the race at Marco Travel, Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay to get discounted island resident rates, but they must do so before race day July 7. For more information on the races, including times and course layout, go to www.ecoseaswim.com. Note that races start promptly and all persons should check in on the beach at least one hour before their start time.

 

Photo credit: TCI Magazine

Continue Reading

News

The Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, February 12, 2026 — The Department of Trade is pleased to announce the launch of its Export Readiness Workshop Series, a key component of its Trade Technical Assistance Programme.

This workshop series will address priority areas critical to small business development in the Turks and Caicos Islands, offering practical guidance and hands-on support in the following areas:

  1. Standards and Quality – Identification of and compliance with regulatory and market requirements
  2. E-Commerce and Digital Trade – Expanding access to regional and international markets

The workshops will be held February 24–27, 2026 and will be delivered in an in-person, interactive format.  Each session is tailored to specific business sectors to ensure targeted support and practical application.

  1.  Workshop 1 – February 24, 2026 | Agricultural Activities and Light Manufacturing (Food & Beverage)
  2.  Workshop 2 – February 25, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Arts & Crafts)
  3.  Workshop 3 – February 26, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Clothing, Jewelry & Apparel Accessories)
  4.  Workshop 4 – February 27, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Cosmetics & Skin Care)

Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their operational capacity, improve export readiness and position their businesses for sustainable growth.

To register, please complete the registration form via the following link Capacity Building & Export Readiness Workshop – Fill out form

For more information, please contact the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition.

☎️Phone: (649) 338-3703

Email: tradetci@gov.tc

Stay updated on announcements by following @tcidepartmentoftrade on Facebook, Instagram, and @MadeInTCI on   TikTok

Continue Reading

TCI News

Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism  

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.

Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination.                                                                                                                                                                                            More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.

“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”

The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.

She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”

The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.

Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.

Continue Reading

TCI News

Illegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays  

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays.                                                                                                                                                                The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING