TCI: Tourism budget spending nearly doubled reveals Budget Contribution by Minister Connolly

#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – Nearly double the spending has been approved for the country’s number one industry as on the budget books, the Ministry of Tourism has been allotted nearly 4.9 million; a 92 percent increase said the Minister, Hon Josephine Connolly. 

The ministry’s portfolio has swelled and is now titled:  Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Heritage including Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Religious Affairs and Gaming. 

Yes, agriculture is now with Tourism and interesting first steps were announced when Hon Connolly addressed parliament.  In a breakdown of earmarked spending, the minister said:  $800,000 is the overall sum; $400,000 will develop a plant nursery; $120,000 will support local farmers directly; $80,000 is allotted to farmer’s market equipment and $100,000 is for an inspection facility at the Providenciales Intl Airport to be used by the Department of Agriculture, also responsible for Animal Control. 

The DECR will get a $200,000 upgrade to its laboratory and the office in Department’s North Caicos needs $300,000 for repairs. 

In this Budget cycle, the TCI Tourist Board will undergo a metamorphosis becoming the DMO or Destination Management Organisation.  As for what the DMO will be focus on, the Minister explained it will foster and further partnerships to “develop and manage strategic approaches to marketing, product development and promotional activities. These strategies are to be all inclusive and address every element of the tourism industry, marketing promotions, local accommodations, tours, events, activities, attractions, transportation and more.”