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The Turks and Caicos Islands Maintains Position as Top Performing Premium Class Destination  

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Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (November 20th, 2024) The Turk and Caicos Islands has maintained its position as the top performing Premium Class destination in the Caribbean for 2024.

The Turks and Caicos Islands showed a +35 percent growth in its market share and together with Aruba and Puerto Rico showed the most growth in this niche. These three islands collectively accounted for almost 15 percent of all premium class arrivals according to a Travels Trends and Outlook report from Forward Keys.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is also among the top destinations showing growth in family travel to the Caribbean with an 18 percent increase. The report said that family travel was one of the key drivers in the growth of Caribbean tourism with arrivals of family-sized groups (three-five passengers) to Caribbean destinations showing an increase of +11 percent year to date.

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly said the report shows that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ brand as a luxury destination remains strong.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands offers a luxury product to affluent, multi-generational travellers looking for authentic, unique, safe and exclusive experiences. Our “Beautiful by Nature” multi-island destination offers all of that and more and from our hotel partners to our taxi drivers, everyone in the tourism industry is working hard to ensure that our visitors enjoy a luxury experience from the moment they step out of their aircraft. I am very proud of our performance this year,” the Minister said.

Overall, the Turks and Caicos Islands has seen double digit growth in air arrivals in 2024 at 19 percent over that of 2023. This growth, the report noted, was largely from the United States with John F Kennedy airport in New York emerging as the top performing hub for Caribbean connectivity.

Airlines added +7% more seats to Caribbean destinations from JFK so far this year compared to the equivalent period in 2023 with the Turks and Caicos Islands registering an increase in arrivals of +40 percent.

The report noted that with the US elections, as of October 30th, the travel outlook between the USA and the Caribbean is expected to see a -13% drop due to Americans who wanted to be home to vote.

That drop was reflected in our September and October arrival numbers.

September, a traditionally low month due to the hurricane season, saw 30,548, air arrivals, a -3.87 decrease from the corresponding period in 2023 while October registered 39,638 arrivals, a – 4.22 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Air arrivals are expected to pick up for the US thanksgiving holiday.

Cruise passengers for September and October were more optimistic with September seeing 81,297 passengers arriving at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, a 71.99 percent increase compared to 2023, while October saw 110,329, a whopping 147.025 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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