#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.