TCI News

TCI sees 54% jump in European Visitors reveals first Quarter report

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2024

Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer

The Ministry of Tourism is recouping its investment in European advertising as the country is seeing a marked increase in interest from visitors from that continent, according to the Ministry’s Quarterly Report shared with media on Friday, April 5.

Ticket purchases from the UK between January to August 2024 have increased by 54 percent, or over 2,800 more passengers. Nearly every other European destination also recorded upticks.

France is expected to contribute 761 visitors, a 13 percent increase,followed by Italy with 513 passengers (a slight decrease of 11 percent), and Germany, with 436 passengers, a jump of 55 percent.

Other areas with increases were Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands, Iceland, Czechia, Denmark, and Poland. Only Belgium and Italy recorded downturns.

The TCI has a foothold in North America, with the majority of its overnight guests coming in from the US, where direct flights are abundant, and Canada. The local government has expressed serious interest in breaking into the luxury tourism market in Europe.

Reflecting the increase more and more visitors are coming by air already,
“In January, we witnessed a substantial increase, with 689 flights—an impressive 3.5% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. February continued this trend, with 666 commercial flights, marking a remarkable 15% year-over-year increase. March further solidified this growth pattern, boasting 761 commercial flights, showcasing a commendable 16% year-over-year surge,” the ministry explained.

By the end of 2024, the country is expecting to welcome 7420 flights which would be a 4.4% increase over 2023. Whether it is ready for those numbers to pass through its beleaguered airport is another matter as travellers constantly complain about the congestion.

In an attempt to plan for this boom and its effect, a Tourism Capacity Carrying Study is also ongoing. The study will predict what the next 10 years in the Turks and Caicos will look like regarding tourism and how it may affect local life.

Using data from various sources to generate new insights, the study is supposed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the industry on the country.

Three models were developed for the three clear geographical areas where tourists are concentrated: Providenciales, Grand Turk and the Other Islands (North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay).

Each model had specific targets.

In Providenciales, the focus will be on providing affordable housing for workers, sustainable urbanization of the destination, enhancement of regulations about the short-term rental of apartments, and houses in the tourism sector plus land use, particularly about tourism infrastructures and facilities.

For Grand Turk, the cruise capital, with little stayover capacity, the important areas are the preservation of the cultural heritage, housing and tourism infrastructures and land use.
“The aim is to ensure that the cultural heritage of the island is not compromised by population growth and tourism development,” the MoT said.

Finally for the ‘Other Islands’ emphasis is placed on managing human impact on natural resources, the provision of desalination plants, and protecting the flora and fauna.

The capacity carrying report will be provided to the public when complete.

Related Topics:#EuropeanVisitorsIncreased #FirstQuarterReport #magneticmedia #tci tourism

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Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.