News
The Boom is here, but are we Ready for it? Horrendous lines at the AIRPORT say, NO!
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – Government and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) can no longer get away with saying the ‘overcrowding’ at the airport is a ‘good problem to have’, it is now becoming increasingly risky from a health perspective and condemning – reputationally – for a destination renown as a luxury escape.
The consistent marketing of the Turks and Caicos, which is a British Overseas Territory, as an elite Caribbean region getaway is working marvellously, but the plans to brace for the booming interest in TCI holidays are lagging dangerous behind; the results and optics are disastrous.
Wrong last impression
On the afternoon of Saturday March 19, hundreds of tourists were filmed on cell phone video smashed together like sardines at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Obviously frustrated, agitated and incensed by the horrendous lines at the outdoor-styled departure area; the guests were moaning in disbelief.
All Covid-19 physical distancing protocols had to be ignored; it was impossible to distance anyone. There were too many people and no space to cater to them as they queued up. The lines for flight check-in and security check points were most definitely blurred.
“Today we processed a total of Four-thousand, thirty-one (4031) passengers and Twenty-seven (27) commercial flights. Due to infrastructural limitations, in combination with flight delays of 30-60 minutes we experienced congestion issues beyond expected,” said the TCIAA in a statement issued Saturday night.
In one video, children were captured seated on the grimy ground of a parking lot which is used as a holding area for ground transportation at the PLS.
To all reading that statement, it seemed the TCIAA and the Ministry of Border Services were caught unprepared for the travel traffic and proved to be a weak link in the experiential tourism chain.
Everyone Knew it was Coming
In 2021, the Turks and Caicos recorded its best year for tourism and real estate sales, according to Premier Washington Misick, in his 200-day in office report.
“All signs point to an economy on the rebound, said Premier Washington Misick in September 2021, when he gave a National Address.
“Preliminary figures show, that during the first half of this year visitor arrivals increased by approximately 34.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Merchandise imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands during the first half of this year totalled $215.6 million. This represents an increase of $30.6 million or 16.9% percent when
compared to the same period in 2020. The Recurrent Revenue of $165.4 million at August, exceeded budget by $39.5 million. The major revenue drivers are: Stamp duty on land transactions – $44m; Hotel and Restaurant Tax – $36m; Customs processing and Import duties – $42m.”
Easier getting in, tougher getting out, both bad.
Our newsroom was informed by passengers that disembarkation is also a nightmare. Up to 30-minutes waiting in the landed plane for guests is frustrating we are told, but admittedly more kind that having the arriving passengers standing in the open elements which would be far more unbearable.
Exiting the TCI by commercial flight at the PLS is taking up to three hours.
“Tourism numbers have grown considerably over the past several years, and we understand that this growth necessitates an airport redevelopment plan, which has remained a top priority for us. Long-term development strategies are being progressed to support decision making for a new terminal building, ancillary facilities, upgrades to our taxiway system and airfield, to provide an improved passenger experience. Various short-term measures continue to be explored whilst we work towards the expansion of the airport as a permanent solution,” said the TCIAA.
Since it is out of the question that Turks and Caicos plug up the enviable tourism boom, the question now becomes what can be done to deliver more comfortable service until the long term plans for the country’s #1 airline gateway are actualized.
A canopy was due to be constructed on the airport tarmac by now; it is supposed to accommodate hundreds of arriving passengers. Inexplicably, it remains unconstructed.
An Old Problem
Tourism arrivals for the Turks and Caicos have been on an annual upward trajectory. In 2019, the country hit a fabulous stride and that is also about the time videos of overcrowding began to surface. They showed horrendous lines outside of arrivals and as travellers departed.
The situation exposed an unfavourable problem which many blamed on a short-sighted expansion of a little over a decade ago.
It is well documented that the airport expansion of 2010-2014 came in two phases at a cost of $10 million cumulatively. It was said to nearly double the size of the terminal from 51,462 to 92,321 sq. ft but it was also criticised as many suspected the design offered no protection from the unpredictable elements and the enlarged facility was still insufficient.
Residents say they are tired of hearing the Government of the day, pat itself on the back for strong tourism performance and then fail to provide the infrastructure and public amenities to in order to give people an end to end exceptional experience.
Islanders also believe they deserve a better experience as travellers and workers at the Providenciales International Airport.
While the TCIAA explained the situation, yet again, there was no announcement about the mitigation efforts planned to cope with the next big rush, which is now about four days away.
“Our team, in partnership with our stakeholders are working assiduously to provide a more smoother passenger flow through the terminal building.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused on these unique peak days. We remain committed to provide the greatest level of comfort possible for our valued travelers.”
UPDATED…
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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