TCI News
Turks & Caicos Statistics reveal 1.5 million + tourists in 2019
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 27, 2020 – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed a total of 1,598,557 Visitor Arrivals for 2019. A 9 percent increase of arrivals overall to our shores when compared to the previous year’s record breaking figures. These arrivals compose of 486,739 Stopover and 1,111,818 Cruise. The Caribbean Tourism Organization describes the growth seen this year in the Caribbean tourism industry as the result of strong demand from the main sources coupled with increased airlift capacity, more diverse accommodation facilities and the sustained recovery following hurricane season 2017.
The destination recorded an impressive 10 percent increase in arrivals through our international airport and fixed based operations. The Grand Turk Cruise Center greeted a 9 percent increase in cruise passengers’ year-over-year. Similarly, for a consecutive year the Cruise Center also welcomed more ships, hosting 354 compared to 320 ship calls in 2018; this marked an 11 percent increase in ship calls year-over-year.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, has also seen increases in arrivals from its major source markets. The American market maintained its dominant share of total arrivals, accounting for 82% of the destination’s land based arrivals; The United States outbound travel market continued to grow steadily despite concerns about the US economy. Canada followed by Europe account for 9 and 4 percent of stopover arrival shares respectively.
The craving for new and authentic experiences remains the main driver for demand and spending on leisure travel worldwide, according to the CTO. The Turks and Caicos Islands must continue to put forth new and innovative marketing initiatives which will contribute significantly to sustained growth in the midst of the many threats in the global environment that we are seeing at this time.
This year-end report, prepared by the Statistical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, presents the industry’s data along with commentary to broaden the industry’s understanding of our collective progress over the past year.
The full 2019 Turks and Caicos Tourism Statistics Report can be accessed by visiting the following link:http://turksandcaicostourism.com/visitor-statistics/.Any queries or comments can be directed to the Tourist Board’s Statistical Officer Ms. Sharissa Lightbourne at SLightbourne@turksandcaicostourism.com.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#USA, June 5, 2023 – Kamala Harris, United States Vice President will journey to Nassau Bahamas in June for a
top level meeting with Caribbean leaders, marking the first time she will visit the region since occupying office in 2021.
According to the White House in a statement, the meeting will bring attention to a range of regional issues. Harris and the Caribbean leaders will continue talks on the shared efforts to address the climate crisis, such as promoting climate resilience and adaptation in the region and increasing energy security through clean energy.
Additionally, the statement informed that Harris’ trip “delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean in pursuit of shared prosperity and security, and in recognition of the common bonds and interests between our nations.”
The June 8th meeting builds on and strengthens the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030, which was launched by the Vice President and Caribbean leaders in Los Angeles at the Summit of the Americas as further mentioned by White House Statement.
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – A champion swimmer, marathon runner, Ivy League graduate and world traveler with a huge smile– that is Alexandra Truwit; at only 22 years old, she has a whole life ahead of her, one that may have now been made exponentially harder by the loss of her foot in an incident which continues to be unconfirmed, but reported as a shark attack off the coast of Providenciales.
Magnetic Media learned Truwit, who is a very experienced swimmer, was on a private charter captained by an
employee of Big Blue Collective (not a Big Blue Charter). She was bitten by what eyewitnesses think could have been a Caribbean Reef Shark and her foot below the ankle was completely severed.
It’s a heartbreaking incident exacerbated by the young woman’s obvious love for- and proficiency in- the water.
The Yale website describes Truwit as a Two-time USA Swimming Academic All-American. Featured as a ‘Teen Titan’ in her high school, she was one of ten young people chosen for the school’s magazine.
Truwit, who has a twin brother, cites nail art and baking as her life joys. Already having survived ‘mono’ as a teen, she volunteers as a Special Olympics “hugger” and started a Special Olympics club at her high school.
She was airlifted from the Turks and Caicos on the day of her accident and there have been no updates on her condition so far. Residents in the TCI and the US have expressed via social media their best wishes for the young achiever and must now wait, hoping for the best possible outcome.
One resident said, “So sorry Alexandra you had to encounter such a traumatic experience while on vacation on our beautiful Island. I am praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for you, hopefully, the surgeon can work their magic for you.”
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – There are sweeping changes coming to the civil service this year after years of complaints about delays and understaffing.
“For the year 2023/24, the office of the Deputy Governor has a very ambitious public sector transformation centered around improving service delivery and the customer experience.” 
This came from Governors Appointed Member Willin Belliard, as he rose in the budget debates on Thursday May 18 to detail the revamp.
Phase one of E-procurement which will allow for the virtual submission of tenders is to be implemented. Along with that will come E-Jobs, a similar system touted to make job applications virtual, swift and easy.
Implementation of the Human Capital Procurement Program is also on the list of deliverables. Human capital is sorely lacking in the Turks and Caicos across the public and private sectors with hundreds of vacancies sitting open and resignations continuing to pile up.
Public servants will also find it easier to enroll into the all new Public Sector Pension Plan with the advent of a portal to remove the need for paper based applications.
The previously announced pay grading exercise is on the table to be completed and a Contract management unit has now been created to manage the delivery of projects that taxpayers are funding.
Residents of the Turks and Caicos have complained bitterly about the state of the civil service in the country for years. From police records to the treasury, the service is characterized by low staffing, frustrating wait time and long lines.
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