News
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ATTRACTS OVER ONE MILLION VISITORS: JANUARY TO OCTOBER 2023
#TurksandCaicos, November 24, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating over a million visitors to the destination by air and cruise. From January to October 2023, the Turks and Caicos saw 535,893 visitors arrive by air and 677,943 via cruise.
The air arrivals for January to October 2023 represent a 4.8 percent increase over 2022, which saw 511,132 air arrivals in the same period. The air arrivals also represent an 18 percent increase over the 2019 figure of 450,443 arrivals for the same period.
“We are very pleased to see the increased number of visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands by air and cruise for 2023. The Turks and Caicos Islands is renowned for its pristine turquoise waters and white sand beaches, world-class resorts and villas, culinary diversity, cultural experiences and natural beauty, “Beauty By Nature”. The increased visitation demonstrates the Turks and Caicos Islands’ appeal for barefoot luxury and unique experiences.
“As a multi-island destination, we are also diversifying the product experience and encouraging our visitors to experience the culture, heritage and activities for day tours and/or overnight stay beyond Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos,” said Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly.
The United States market remains the leading source market with 434,343 arrivals from January to October. There were 35,606 arrivals from Canada.
There were 8,541 arrivals from the United Kingdom, versus 2022 for the same period January to August 2023. The
addition of Virgin Atlantic Airways, from London, Heathrow, increases the ease of travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands from the UK and Europe, with twice weekly, non-stop flights.
The increase in all source markets augurs well for the destination going into the US Thanksgiving Holiday which is already evident in visitor arrivals this week, according to Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). Premiere travel, lifestyle and luxury publications Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have listed the Turks and Caicos Islands as one of the destinations to visit for 2024, further supporting the anticipated increase in visitation to exceed figures from 2019 and 2022.
The cruise arrivals of 677,943 mark a 30.5 percent increase over the period in 2022 which saw 519,418 cruise passengers. The diversity of our tourism product allows for increased spend on island for Grand Turk and Salt Cay through a range of activities. These include diving along the 7000-feet wall, the third largest barrier reef in the world; getting up close and personal with stingrays at Gibbs Cay, also known as “Stingray City”; dining at local restaurants and exploring historical sites such as the lighthouse, the national museum and the Salt Salinas.
The United States market remains the leading source market with 434,343 arrivals from January to October. There were 35,606 arrivals from Canada.
There were 8,541 arrivals from the United Kingdom, versus 2022 for the same period January to August 2023. The addition of Virgin Atlantic Airways, from London, Heathrow, increases the ease of travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands from the UK and Europe, with twice weekly, non-stop flights.
The increase in all source markets augurs well for the destination going into the US Thanksgiving Holiday which is already evident in visitor arrivals this week, according to Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). Premiere travel, lifestyle and luxury publications Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have listed the Turks and Caicos Islands as one of the destinations to visit for 2024, further supporting the anticipated increase in visitation to exceed figures from 2019 and 2022.
The cruise arrivals of 677,943 mark a 30.5 percent increase over the period in 2022 which saw 519,418 cruise passengers. The diversity of our tourism product allows for increased spend on island for Grand Turk and Salt Cay through a range of activities. These include diving along the 7000-feet wall, the third largest barrier reef in the world; getting up close and personal with stingrays at Gibbs Cay, also known as “Stingray City”; dining at local restaurants and exploring historical sites such as the lighthouse, the national museum and the Salt Salinas.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23rd January 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force recently intercepted illegal handheld gambling devices coming through Howard Hamilton International Airport. Often disguised as everyday electronic gadgets, these devices are strictly prohibited under the Casino Ordinance, which imposes severe penalties for their importation.
In the past month alone, Border Force officers intercepted 70 such devices during routine inspections of passengers’ luggage and cargo. Smugglers frequently attempt to conceal these items within personal belongings or mislabel them on cargo manifests to evade detection.
Sophisticated tactics, including hidden compartments and misleading product descriptions, are commonly employed to bypass customs
controls.
Under the Casino Ordinance, importing, possessing, or distributing unlicensed gambling devices is a criminal offence. Offenders may face fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.
The Border Force hereby reminds the public that ignorance of the law is no defence and urges all travellers and businesses to comply with import regulations. Travellers are advised to ensure that any electronic devices they bring into the country comply with local laws. Importers and retailers are likewise reminded to verify the legality of their products before shipment.
It is important to note that TCI Lotto Games is the only authorised operator of lottery activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Any other entity or individual involved in importing or possessing unlicensed gambling devices is breaching the Casino Ordinance and will be held accountable under the law. By remaining vigilant and adhering to these regulations, travellers and businesses can help prevent illegal activities and support the integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border controls.
For all media inquiries, please contact crilightbourne@gov.tc
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED
Freeport, Grand Bahama – January 23, 2025 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the 12th Annual Tour De Grand Bahama cycling competition, now officially branded the “Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama.” Organized by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, this highly anticipated two-day event will take place on February 8th and 9th, 2025, attracting both Bahamian and international cyclists.
Dr. Telina Smith, Director of Human Resources & Administrator for GBPA Donations, shared the organization’s excitement about supporting this signature event. “We are proud supporters of sporting events, health and wellness initiatives, and cycling activities on the island. These include the GBPA Conchman Triathlon, in which our Acting Chairman, Sarah St. George, participates annually, as well as the Horrible Hundred, another prominent cycling competition hosted by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association. We commend Kenton Roker and his team for making the Tour de Grand Bahama such a meaningful event, uniting the community and attracting cyclists from around the world.”
Kenton Roker, President of the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, expressed gratitude for GBPA’s continued support since the inception of the event. “I would like to thank the Grand Bahama Port Authority for coming on board as a title sponsor. Their support has been integral to the success of this competition year after year. This year promises to be the best one yet due to significant international interest,” said Roker.
Cyclists from the University of Florida in Gainesville, two teams from Tampa, Florida, a contingent from Turks and Caicos, as well as competitors from Canada, Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands, will participate. “We are expecting more than 50 cyclists to compete this year,” Roker noted. He also expressed appreciation to all additional event sponsors who make this prestigious competition possible.
The two-day event features three dynamic stages that will challenge cyclists of all levels. The competition kicks off with a 3.7-mile time trial – a race against the clock designed to test speed and endurance. The second stage is a closed-circuit race lasting one hour, plus three laps, where strategy and pacing will be crucial. On Sunday, the event culminates with a grueling open-category road race: an 80-mile test of stamina and skill starting and finishing at the GBPA Headquarters. Female cyclists will tackle a 60-mile course, while juniors will compete in a 40-mile race, ensuring inclusivity and excitement across all categories.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority is honored to be the driving force behind an event that celebrates athletic excellence, promotes health and wellness, and showcases Grand Bahama as a hub for world-class sporting events.
For more information about the Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama, please contact the Grand Bahama Cycling Association at 359-4697 or 442-8346.
Photo Caption:
Pictured Left to Right: Lorna Maxis, GB Cycling Association Representative; Kenton Roker, GB Cycling Association President; Dr. Telina Smith, GBPA Director of Human Resources; Cara Saunders, GB Cycling Association Representative
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