PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (April 26th, 2024) – Experience Turks and Caicos rolled out the first two sessions of the Community Connect meetings in Middle and North Caicos on April 24th and 25th, 2024. These meetings took place at the Conch Bar Community Centre and Horse Stable Beach Community Centre, respectively.

The primary aim of these community meetings is to raise awareness among residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands about Experience Turks and Caicos, our forthcoming plans, and how these endeavors will benefit everyone across the islands.

The sessions featured a panel of speakers — Mr. Alvin Hegner, co-chair of Experience Turks and Caicos, Ms. Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Helycann Selver, the Local Representative for North and Middle Caicos, and Ms. Sasha Arthur, Regulatory Specialist for the Department of Tourism Regulations.

During both meetings, Mr. Hegner emphasised that it is open season for creativity, urging attendees to develop new products and businesses to attract funding from Experience Turks and Caicos and Invest TCI, as he stressed Experience Turks and Caicos’ commitment to ensuring mutual benefits from the tourism industry. Mr. Hegner also emphasised the significance of having a local representative on the islands, offering residents a valuable resource for developing and enhancing their businesses.

Ms. Selver, the Local Representative, presented plans for the islands under the Destination Development Unit such as enhancement works for Bambarra Beach, voted the second best beach in the Caribbean by USA Today10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Wifi installations at the Bellfield Landing Terminal, hashtag and landing signage at Bambarra Beach and Bellfield Landing Terminal as well as the enhancement of the Cottage Pond in North Caicos and the Crossing Place Trail and Juniper Hole in Middle Caicos.

She also spoke about the recently launched Exquisite Turks and Caicos initiative designed to encourage immersive tourism. The program will offer up to $5000 to assist businesses in developing their product or service to offer visitors a more enhanced experience.

Ms. Adams discussed marketing strategies aimed at increasing visitors from source markets and emphasised the importance of collaboration with local communities. She introduced the “Rooted in Community, Growing Together” campaign, which underscores shared ownership of the tourism future and the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, among other aims.

Ms. Arthur from the DTR provided insights into the department’s initiatives, including the TIDES program and new initiatives such as Rate Your Ride and a Do’s and Don’ts video to assist the accommodation sector in preparing for site inspections.

Feedback from both communities was positive, with attendees expressing appreciation for the focus on the sister islands and the presence of a local representative to address their needs. They also provided suggestions for further marketing of the islands’ unique aspects, cultural recognition, and improvements in infrastructure and services.

Mr. Osbourne Delancey, District Commissioner for Middle and North Caicos, spoke about the opportunities for eco-tourism in the islands and his willingness to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos to make them a reality.

Apart from hosting the meetings, the Experience Turks and Caicos team took some time to visit Isaac Farms to learn about Mr. Courtney Missick’s plans to develop agro-tourism on his farm and Keith “Spot” Missick’s Spot On E-Bikes to enjoy the experience of riding the eco-friendly electronic bikes that are very popular with tourists.

Dates and venues for upcoming Community Connect Meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.