TCI News
TCI: TCHTA Unveils 2020 Destination Turks & Caicos Magazine
#Providenciales, 4 January, 2020 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) recently unveiled the cover of its highly anticipated 15th edition of Destination Turks & Caicos, which features an exciting new contemporary look while delivering the important message of tourism sustainability.
This year, the premier go-to tourist guide took an exciting leap, transforming from a traditional coffee-table design to a luxury publication for 2020. In addition to the change in style, the message has been updated to reflect issues such as sustainable tourism practices while showcasing stories and efforts taken by TCHTA Members to benefit their local communities and the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, all set to the backdrop of stunning Turks and Caicos imagery.
Officials at the TCHTA said that they are committed to the advancement and sustainability of the tourism product and hoped to awaken the sensibilities of the general audience by sharing the work the organization has been doing in this edition of the magazine.
“We are so excited about the new contemporary look that Destination Turks & Caicos now has. It has always been the goal of the organization to not only produce a publication that represents the luxury of our destination, but we also wanted to create a keepsake piece with rich imagery of the islands and the wonderful stories that accompany them.” said Karen Whitt, Director of Marketing for the TCHTA, who played a key role in the decision to take a new approach to the annual publication. “While we are excited about the new look, we are equally excited about sharing how TCHTA members are promoting environmentally friendly practices.”
Since 2005 this publication has been outsourced, and this year the TCHTA is excited to take the creative lead on this milestone issue, managing the magazine in-house. The organization partnered with locals Erin Patrick of EP Designs and Dominique Rolle of Caya Hico Media who served as Creative Directors for the publication to deliver a fresh approach to this time-honoured book.
Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO added, “This was truly a labour of love for us. From the pictures to the stories and the messages, every part of this publication was designed to pique your interest while deepening your connection with our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ islands”.
Erin Patrick also shared her excitement on being chosen to be a part of the creative team for the magazine and how she hopes the publication will inspire its readers. “I am honoured to have been asked to work with the TCHTA on the 15th edition of Destination Turks & Caicos Islands.” She said, “My aim is to allow the essence of these islands to radiate from each page. This publication encompasses everything we cherish in this paradise we call home.”
Dominique Rolle says ‘Destination’ is iconic to Turks and Caicos and has for many years provided a platform for the best in Turks and Caicos photography to display their craft and appreciation for these islands. “I’m honored to see it continue in its 15th year and evolve into a premier luxury magazine with content dedicated to the country I love and the people working to preserve its future.”
The new Destination TCI cover features a modern and stylish, clean look with a classic gold bold typeface and a single image (an installment in Dominique Rolle’s “Flora” collection) showcasing the lush vegetation and plant life of the Turks & Caicos Islands thus transforming this once hardbound publication and giving it a modern, stylish, luxurious feel.
“We are thoroughly impressed with the outcome, and all of this would not have been possible without the contribution of writing content from Dominique Rolle and Sonia Simmons, the impeccable job done by Editors Nicholette Thomas and Sonia Simmons, the vibrant imagery provided by our Member Photographers, Brilliant Studios, Caya Hico Media, Philip Shearer of Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography and Visit Turks & Caicos, and the unwavering support of our Executive Board and Members.” Cox said, “And for this, we say thank you. Thank you for helping the TCHTA transform Destination Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Release: TCHTA
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
