#TurksandCaicos, June 6, 2022 – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association marked the achievement of 30 years as an organization with an electrifying ‘birthday’ party that delivered an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Embracing a “Casino Royale” theme, the TCHTA and event host, The Shore Club, spared no detail ensuring guests’ senses were delighted from arrival to departure.

With elegant black and gold décor, the TCHTA transformed The Shore Club’s courtyard and ballroom into a night that seemed to have jumped directly out of a 007 movie scene.  Menu cards in tuxedo napkins; tables decorated with signature sweets, poker chips, and casino themed centerpieces; gift bags with token chips and playing cards depicting the TCHTA’s signature programs and specialized thank you cards all lent to the feel of the impeccably designed ball room.

The décor was merely the tip of the iceberg.  Partygoers enjoyed a night of spectacular live entertainment with a diversity not regularly seen. The evening’s acts included the Heat Wave Band, Beaches Entertainment Troupe, the Caicos Cabaret Girls, and David Bowen, encompassing numbers such as “Big Spender”, “The Anatomy of a Vegas Entertainer”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Burlesque”, and one of the 007 franchise’s signature hits, “Skyfall”.

Still, the magnificent acts were not the highlight of the evening. During the event, The TCHTA debuted a special video series documenting some of its past and present figureheads including Joe Zahm and Chloe Zimmerman – members of the association’s original Board of Directors back in 1992.

Gala attendees were wowed by the reminiscent tales of times past; the defining moments that were pivotal to Turks & Caicos becoming the coveted destination it is today. With photos of the original Providenciales International Airport, Dora’s Restaurant, the Allegro and more, the feeling of pride in the country’s achievements rose in the room to a near palatable level.

Throughout the night, toasts to the association by HE Governor Nigel Dakin, Acting Premier, Hon Ejay Saunders, Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, and TCHTA President, Trevor Musgrove, were delivered. Emcees O O’brien Forbes (dubbed “Agent Double-O-F” for the night) and Mary “Ziggy” Fulford kept guests on their toes with delightful banter, contests, and giveaways.

The event did not stop there! Exiting the ball room, attendees were welcomed to enjoy photo taking with the signature backdrop and 360 booth, try their hand at ‘fun play’ Poker, Blackjack, or Roulette with Casablanca Casino, and to dance the night away with the Heat Wave Band. The icing on the cake in the Courtyard was the themed dessert bar with a smorgasbord of casino and “Bond” styled cakes and treats, and a jaw-dropping firework display that illuminated the sky and was the perfect accent to this extraordinary affair.

TCHTA Marketing Chair Karen Whitt shared her delight as the success of the event, “We cannot thank everyone enough for their outstanding support of this night. We hope that each person that shared this time with us felt the care and pride placed into pulling this night together. This was much more than celebrating a milestone, it was an opportunity to honour every person who has played a part in the inspiring history of the Turks & Caicos tourism industry. Collectively, this country has accomplished so much in a short space of time. That was not happenstance; it was because of the love, commitment, and dedication of so many, and we are grateful to be able to take this moment in time to say, ‘thank you’.”

Though the night brought the organization’s anniversary year to quite a climax, the TCHTA says they are not done yet. Said Stacy Cox, CEO, “We want to remind the community that the celebration of our 30^th year as an organization doesn’t stop here. At the beginning of 2022, we shared that we will commemorate this milestone all year long and would engage the community to celebrate with us along the way. Our signature programs will take on an alignment with the theme of 30 years, and we have a special community day planned for later in the year as well. Our community giveaways will also continue, so we encourage everyone to be sure they are following our social media accounts as we share updates there.”

The TCHTA’s year-long commemoration began in January with a virtual launch. Live FB shows, scavenger hunt giveaways, and a special Earth Day initiative have all been executed as a part of the organization’s robust anniversary calendar.

TCHTA President, Trevor Musgrove said, “We cannot thank our members enough for their support of the gala, and all the initiatives we have set forth this year. As I shared with those in attendance on Saturday, I feel quite privileged to be the sitting President at such a monumental time in the TCHTA’s history. The organization has shown its dedication to the industry and the country for these past three decades, and we will continue to work toward even greater accomplishments in the decades ahead.”

The association extends special thanks to the vendors that helped make this remarkable night a reality: the Management and staff at The Shore Club, the TCHTA office team, Lemens Welch of Visual Storytelling, Wymara Resort, Amanyara Resort, The Sands, Casablanca Casino, SOS Media, and the Clement Howell High school teachers and volunteers.

The stunning video series enjoyed by the audience at The Shore Club will be released via the TCHTA’s website and social media platforms.