Press Release
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (March 18th, 2024) – The Turks and Caicos Islands has enjoyed a record start to 2024 with a surge in air arrivals during January and February, outpacing the same period in 2023.
For January, there were 61,924* air arrivals with 64,088* arrivals in February. This represents a 6 percent increase over January 2023 which saw 58,413 arrivals and a 13.3 percent increase over February 2023 which saw 56,581 arrivals.
Cruise visitors were lower in January and February 2024 when compared to the corresponding period for 2023. The Grand Turk Cruise Centre welcomed 86,822* cruise passengers in January 2024 and 78, 293* in February compared to 88,471 cruise passengers in January 2023 and 96,127 in February 2023, a 1.89 percent and −18.56% percent reduction respectively.
The increase in air arrivals continues the upward trend evidenced in 2023.
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said this was a bumper winter season for the destination.
“We entered the winter season with optimism based on our 2023 figures and our expectations were surpassed. The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be the destination of choice for our affluent, luxury lifestyle market and we have been seeing that with thousands passing through the Howard Hamilton International Airport. On Saturday, March 9th, the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority (TCIAA) reported a staggering 10,077 passengers passing through the airport on that day alone! That marked a pinnacle for us with the highest influx of arrivals for the season to date,” the Minister said.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to attract increased visitors, the destination is working to ensure the comfort of our guests as they arrive and depart.
For arrivals, the TCIAA has procured additional tents to provide a protective haven from the elements should the line extend beyond the building and the distribution of chilled bottled water to ensure passengers remain cool during their wait.
For departures, the ongoing Congestion Alleviation Project aims to enhance passenger experience and minimise congestion at the airport while the TCIAA advances the redevelopment project.
This project includes the immediate terminal buildout:
⦁ Expanded vehicle drop-off area (Completed)
⦁ Relocation of airline offices (Completed)
⦁ Second-level security screening (Ongoing)
⦁ Departure hold room expansion on the second level (Ongoing)
⦁ In transit passenger screening and holding room (Completed)
⦁ Expansion of the departures and boarding gates (Ongoing)
To enhance efficiency during peak periods, and mitigate delays, the TCIAA has also implemented several initiatives among them the addition of Apron Controllers to closely monitor aircraft parking and turnaround times, aiming to minimise delays through improved communication and aid in faster turnaround times for aircraft parking, and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting General Aircraft (GA) operations between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm on Saturdays. This prioritises airlines, potentially reducing overall air traffic at Howard Hamilton International Airport and alleviating airspace congestion.
Other initiatives include increased security personnel, strategically positioning hosts to ensure efficient flow in high foot traffic areas and live entertainment to serenade passengers.
*These are preliminary figures
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands is made up of two groups of islands in the Lucayan Archipelago: The larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, thus the name. It is home to the best beaches in the world with majestic white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Each island and cay are a destination of its own. Providenciales is home to world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, luxury hotels, resorts, villas, spas and restaurants. Grand Turk is ‘home away from home’ for our cruise passengers, and our sister islands are the gateway to nature, exploration, and culture. Considered the world’s best-kept secret, TCI is an effortless escape – with an ease of connectivity through direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom
