Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 21 August 2023 – The Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) has been formally established under the Ministry of Tourism, to absorb the functions of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board Quality Assurance Unit and TIDES Training Unit. DTR mission is to develop and promote a regulatory environment conducive to a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable tourism sector in TCI.
The DTR will certify accommodation, tour operators and taxis, as the TCITB has done until now. In addition, the tourism certification (TIDES) will be extended, and it will become mandatory for all types of tourism businesses in the TCI to obtain business licenses and renew them annually.
The Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023 makes provisions for the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) to implement mandatory tourism regulations and coordinate with other government offices on tourism policies and standards. Inclusive of improvements in the tourism enabling environment, training in tourism services and issuance of annual Tourism Licences.
In light of the formal establishment of the Department of Tourism Regulations, The Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly had this to say.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the stakeholders who have been involved in the development of the DTR. I am confident that the DTR will execute its role to the highest standards and be a valuable asset to our tourism sector. I am also confident that it will help us to continue to attract visitors from all over the world.”
Director of the DTR Mr. Avi Adams has pledged to safeguard the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“The department was created to safeguard our tourism product. We have showcased to the world that we can be one of the leading travel destinations in the world. Our department will help ensure that we maintain our culture, and our excellence while safeguarding our people.”
The Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023, the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) will seek to ensure sustainable tourism. The government will formulate regulations, develop standards, assess and audit attractions, and dispense certification. They will also monitor tourist activities and enforce regulations.
The DTR is committed to working with stakeholders to develop and enforce regulations that promote sustainable tourism and protect the environment and culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
If you require further information on the new regulations and how to obtain certification, please feel free to contact Mr. Adams at aviadams@gov.tc. Our offices are located at Regent Village, Unit 301, Grace Bay Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.