#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – The highly anticipated return of the TCHTA’s Destination Turks & Caicos Islands Magazine delivered all the sensation and dazzle befitting the time-honoured publication.

Now in its 16^th year of production, the “Destination Guide”, as it has been endearingly dubbed, is a mainstay of the tourism product in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It is a cover-to-cover representation of the sights, accommodations, activities, and culture of this destination with all resort, villas, and hospitality businesses proudly displaying and sharing the guide with those who come to our shore.

The powerful imagery within the pages of the Destination magazine has made it a collector’s item for visitors and residents alike with requests from past visitors for the latest edition to be mailed to them each year.

At the 15-year mark, the TCHTA took the bold leap to contemporize the publication and to discontinue the outsourcing of its production, taking on the task in-house. The Marketing Committee and Office Team brought on local talent to build a powerhouse creative group that would give a face-lift to the showpiece and modernize its production to assure continued appeal to the today’s market. The result was astounding, with the TCHTA adopting a modern, sleek, oversized luxury magazine and retiring the hardcover coffee table book that had become synonymous with the annual.

Chair of the Marketing Committee, Karen Whitt, shared “We are ecstatic over the success of the new approach we have taken to ‘Destination’.  More than just a piece for guests to enjoy while on island, it is a critical tool we use internationally to market the destination and show travel partners and their clients what awaits them here in Turks & Caicos. Now that we are launching the 2022 edition, truly, the 2020 magazine is still fresh and so powerful that people are still falling in love with it every day. After seeing the stunning cover for the 15^th edition, I wondered how we could possibly top it. But as you can see, our team has somehow delivered another unbelievable cover and I simply cannot stop looking at it.”

And arresting, it is! The 2022 cover of the Destination Magazine features a magnificent montage of 20 faces representing a wide array of roles in the hospitality sector: Bartenders, Event Planners, General Managers, Human Resources Management, Pool & Beach Attendants, and more. The mosaic face made up of black and white images is not only a visual representation of the fact that it takes the efforts of many to make ‘brand TCI’ what it is, but a symbolic one as well. The dynamic photography provided for the work of art was aptly done by Anita Marcus and David Gallardo of Brilliant Studios, and it is indeed just that…. brilliant.

High praise was extended to the core creative team: Designer & Art Director, Erin Patrick of EP Designs; Editor, Nicholette Thomas of the TCHTA; Editor and Head Writer, Sonia OMEGA Simmons of TCHTA/SOS Media; and Head Writer, Dominique Rolle of Caya Hico Media, all of whom collaborated on the creative direction of the publication with overall guidance from the association’s Marketing Committee Chair & Co-Chair, Karen Whitt and Stacy Cox, respectively.

The strength of the piece does not end with the breathtaking cover or the dynamic images within its pages. The Destination Magazine is also filled with strong stories giving way to readers learning more about the Accommodations, Activities, Shopping, Wellness, Weddings, Photography, Dining, and Businesses across the country with the magazine using a feature story in each of these categories.

Last year, the TCHTA sent out a clarion call inviting local writers to join the creative team and author these fascinating stories. As such, Destination 2022 proudly features work by Jayne Baker, Tiersa Hall, Tatiana Handfield, Cynclair Musgrove, Brianna Walcott, and Keton Whitter.

“This has added an elevation to the piece that makes it historical and provides a further connection to community, highlighting that hospitality is a part of each and every one of us here in these islands,” said Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO. “We are so proud of the work these writers have done and how special they have made this edition with their contributions. We invite all residents to collect a copy of the magazine and to celebrate these thespians along with us. Front to back, Destination 2022 is a testament to the strength of the association, and its commitment to the continued advancement of the people and the industry.”

Cox continued, “I cannot extend enough thanks and appreciation to our members for supporting the magazine, and to our photographers for always providing us the awe-inspiring imagery that makes the Destination Guide distinct and exceptional.”

Caya Hico Media, Paradise Photography, Visit TCI and Brilliant Studios provided all photography for the magazine along with feature photography from TCHTA members.

Magazine distribution to accommodations and businesses around the island is now underway, with the option of collection available to the public at the TCHTA’s office at #52 Salt Mills, Grace Bay. With the current climate in mind, for businesses and resorts who are still on a reduced touch-points protocol, the association has produced tent cards featuring a QR code that allows anyone wishing to view the magazine to conveniently do so via their mobile device. As an added feature, the TCHTA is prepared to take Destination 2022 around the world on USB drives compatible with Android or Apple devices which will be distributed at marketing shows and conferences.

Highlights of the magazine will be shared on the association’s social media platforms and website.