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TCI: 100 days in, New TCHTA President adds 20 New TCHTA Members
#TurksandCaicos, July 29, 2021 – The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association has grown by 20 new members despite the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel and tourism industry.
New President, Trevor Musgrove recently issued a comprehensive 100 day report and it is clear that much work has been done including key meetings which should enhance turn-around time on travel entry through the TCI Travel Assured portal; the travel experience at the Providenciales International Airport and processing of work documents with the Employment Services Department.
“At the beginning of the term, we looked at our five-year strategic plan and benchmarked where we stood to help us outline our goals and plan for the way forward. I am proud to say that we were fully on target. This was a direct result of the hard work of Past President Todd Foss and the previous Board who managed to keep the work of the association progressing despite the country being in the throes of a pandemic,” said Trevor Musgrove in a July 15 report.
From the report: In its first 100 days, the TCHTA’s committees have realigned their missions with new Chairpersons and volunteers from the membership. Advocacy, Education, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Villa, Crime & Security, Water Sports, and Allied (non-accommodation) Membership are the banners under which the collective will work to fulfill its commitment to members and to Turks & Caicos islanders affected directly or indirectly by this critical industry.
Mr. Musgrove said Edwin Taylor, who is the TCI’s Commissioner of Labour has educated the TCHTA on the expected increase in manpower and portfolio changes within his department that will aid in quicker turnaround times and added process efficiency.
“Mr. Taylor welcomed feedback and suggestions from the group and shared that the department’s employment registration drive is ongoing. He thanked the HR group and TCHTA members for successfully placing the majority of the individuals who were once registered as unemployed within their properties and businesses.”
A $1.2 million canopy construction at the PLS is touted to help with brining greater comfort to travellers as they enter and exit the country’s main gateway. This is noted by the Association which met with the Minister of Immigration, now with oversight of the TCIs air and sea ports.
“As the country’s borders reopened and the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Turks & Caicos was fortunate to see a steady increase in arrivals to our shores which has now risen to pre-pandemic levels. This has brought with it incidences of overwhelm at our international port of entry which calls for immediate attention.
The TCHTA addressed this issue with the Minister of Immigration, pledging assistance with several ways its members could help offset the negative fallout from the overcrowding at the airport while the Ministry works towards its bigger plans to address the issue.”
The TCHTA’s Marketing committee has met with Pamela Ewing and her team several initiatives are on the calendar for the remainder of the year, and the TCHTA will be sharing those opportunities with members as they are fleshed out, he said.
The Hotel and Tourism association will revive its Destination Turks and Caicos magazine; after a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the plan is to bring the publication back for 2022 as both a print and electronic 16th edition.
A third edition of the Who’s Who in Business TCI magazine is also approved within his first 100 days, said Musgrove.
There have also been meetings with the Deputy Governor, Premier, Minister of Health and Minister of Tourism.
“The TCHTA is a voice for the industry, but also for the people of these islands. I am committed to doing my best to lead this association and carry on the great work that has been started…” informed Trevor Musgrove.
The TCHTA’s 2021-2023 Board of Directors was elected to office in March of this year, with Mr. Trevor Musgrove of Discovery Tours & Adventures leading the body as President for the two-year term. The Board quickly re-established the association’s committees and set out to continue building on the work in progress and the fulfillment of the new President’s goal to provide enhanced support to small businesses connected to the hospitality industry in these islands.