Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 3 September 2025: The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust proudly attended the Global Sustainable Tourism Pre-Conference Training and Conference, held from 3 – 8 August 2025, in Fiji. The event brought together international leaders, policymakers, and practitioners in sustainable tourism to exchange knowledge and strategies for balancing heritage conservation with economic development.

The TCI delegation was led by Mrs. Claudia Munnings, Chairlady of the TCI National Trust Board, along with Mrs. Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the National Trust, and Mr. Courtney Robinson, representing Experience TCI.

Participation in this conference and training was a significant step in advancing the National Trust’s mission to safeguard the cultural, historical, and natural assets of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Delegates who completed the pre-conference training will gain certification in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards—the internationally recognised benchmark for sustainability in travel and tourism, used by destinations and industry leaders worldwide.

This training and certification will help strengthen the Trust’s ability to:

• Apply global best practices in heritage and environmental conservation.
• Integrate sustainable tourism models tailored to small-island contexts.
• Build institutional capacity and community awareness around responsible tourism.
• Forge global partnerships with organisations committed to sustainability.

Executive Director Jasmine Thomas remarked: “The training was invaluable for our team, as it directly supports our efforts to ensure that the natural and cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains protected for future generations, while also contributing to a thriving sustainable tourism sector. The knowledge gained will enhance the Trust’s work in promoting responsible tourism initiatives and strengthening conservation practices at home.”

Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, Minister with responsibility for the TCI National Trust, expressed support for the delegation’s involvement: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are known worldwide for our natural beauty and cultural heritage. Our participation in this international forum reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism. I commend the National Trust and its partners for their dedication to protecting our heritage and ensuring it remains a source of pride and prosperity for our people.”

The TCI National Trust extends its gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who supported this initiative. The experience gained in Fiji will be used to further strengthen sustainable tourism programs, ensuring that all cultural and heritage sites under the care of the TCI National Trust are managed in alignment with the principles of sustainable development. This approach not only guarantees their preservation but also contributes to the social and economic well-being of the islands, while positioning the TCI as a world-class destination that celebrates and safeguards its unique heritage and environment.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

The Bahamas, September 4, 2025 – The Bahamas is riding a high wave of tourism-driven development, with a cascade of private investments transforming the country from paradise getaway to premier global destination.  In what industry insiders are calling an “upsurge,” cruise giants are leading the charge, but with increasing opportunity for local involvement.

Great Stirrup Cay: $150M Private Island Overhaul
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a bold $150 million expansion of its private island, Great Stirrup Cay.  By 2026, the island is expected to host over 1 million visitors annually, a dramatic increase from the 400,000 recorded in 2024.

A new multi-ship pier will launch in late 2025, followed by the opening of a 6-acre ‘Great Tides Waterpark’, featuring 19 water slides, cliff jumps, a glowing lazy river, mini golf, jet karts, and swim-up bars.  It’s set to become a mega water-themed destination within a destination.

Paradise Island: Royal Caribbean’s $300M “Club” Concept
In Nassau, Royal Caribbean is building a 17-acre Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, with opening set for December 2025.  The development promises two beaches, three pools, the world’s largest swim-up bar, cabanas, and curated Bahamian food and culture experiences.

Importantly, the cruise company is offering up to 49% equity ownership to Bahamians and pledging to include local vendors, creatives, and entrepreneurs—an encouraging model for shared success.

Beyond Cruise Lines: Wider Development Continues
Nassau’s Baha Mar Resort is also expanding, with a new hotel and jazz club on the horizon, hinting at a broader tourism and lifestyle revival across the capital.

Why It Matters to Bahamians
This surge in visitor arrivals—particularly to private islands—will stretch infrastructure, but it also represents immense economic opportunity.  From construction to culture, thousands of new jobs and contracts are on the table.

Royal Caribbean’s partial local ownership model could serve as a blueprint for future developments, where Bahamians don’t just serve tourists—they share in the success.

Turks and Caicos, August 21, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands has been named the Favourite Honeymoon Destination in the World at the 2025 Trazee Awards, securing the top spot ahead of Bermuda and Fiji.

The Trazees, hosted by trazeetravel.com, celebrate the best in global travel as determined by millennial and Gen Z travellers ages 18–35. Winners are selected through an open-ended reader survey conducted from December by trazeetravel.com, with results announced online and featured in the July issue of Global Traveler.

“To be voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination in the world is truly an honour,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “The Turks and Caicos Islands has long been celebrated as an idyllic escape for couples, thanks to our stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, luxurious resorts designed with romance in mind, world-class dining, and the unmatched privacy and exclusivity found across our islands.”

The 2025 Trazee Awards were presented on August 19, 2025, at a cocktail reception held in conjunction with the annual Global Business Travel Association convention in Beverly Hills, California.