TCI News
Crime, safety, synergy and 2020 tourism plans top discussions at TCHTA meeting
#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 15, 2020 — On January 8th, 2020 the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the award-winning resort, The Shore Club, on Long Bay Beach in Providenciales.
The gathering saw in attendance Association members, special guests and speakers, including Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism and the reigning Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism, Miss Danae Dennie.
The exciting evening co-chaired by TCHTA President, Todd Foss, and CEO, Stacy Cox, opened with an impressive year-end report for 2019 which detailed the work and successes of the TCHTA for that year.
“We always look forward to having our AGM because it gives us a platform to showcase our annual report to members and stakeholders, as well as the Association’s plans for the coming year,” said Cox. “2019 was another marvelous showing of what we can do for the tourism industry when we all work collaboratively, and I have no doubt that 2020 will be anything short of exceptional.”
She continued by saying, “Since its inception, the TCHTA has been pivotal in the development of the tourism product here in Turks and Caicos, and our efforts to promote our product has grown year after year. In 2019, we saw our partnerships in the community strengthen, our educational initiatives thrive, and our marketing campaigns expand our international reach farther than ever before.”
The subject of Crime was a topic of discussion at this year’s AGM, and both the Deputy Governor and the Minister of Tourism spoke on the subject, giving their commitment to working with the TCHTA and industry stakeholders to help mitigate the issue. Numerous proposals regarding safety have been submitted, with some already being put into action.
“The big conversation at our AGM this year is crime and what we are doing to tackle the rising challenges. We were privileged to have Her Excellency Anya Williams and Honourable Higgs as our guests, who were able to speak on the ongoing efforts against this scourge and putting into place the necessary measures to ensure that we are all safe from criminal threats” said TCHTA President, Todd Foss.
The Association is looking forward to continuing its strong relationships with local law enforcement, security agencies and the Government to address this problem.
The highlight of the evening was the TCHTA’s recognition of Miss Danae Dennie, who delivered her award-winning speech from the 2019 Youth Congress Competition to the AGM attendees.
Dennie was awarded with gifts from the TCHTA members in recognition of her accomplishments as the Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism. Miss Dennie is the recipient of a full hospitality scholarship to the Turks and Caicos Community College (TCICC), a round trip ticket on Caicos Express Airways, a round trip ticket on interCaribbean Airways to any destination they service, a gift certificate for dining at Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant and a gift certificate for dining at Mango Reef Restaurant, sponsored by the Association members.
Ms. Blythe Clare, Training Manager for the TCI Tourist Board, was also recognized at the AGM. Clare, who served as a chaperone for Miss Dennie, was presented with a bouquet from the Board and members in honour of being named TC Weekly News’ Person of the Year 2019.
The TCHTA looks forward to what 2020 will bring for the industry. “We have an exciting year planned with lots of proactive initiatives to promote the destination in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. Our goal is to continue cultivating and maintaining partnerships, ensuring that destination TCI flourishes,” Cox concluded.
The Association currently has approximately 200 members. Persons and businesses interested in joining should call the TCHTA at 339-5787 or complete the digital application on their website at www.turksandcaicoshta.com.
TCHTA PRESS RELEASE, JANUARY 15, 2020
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.”
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
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.
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.
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News4 days agoThe Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
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TCI News6 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism