News
TCHTA Offers Industry Insight Amid Economic Fluctuations and Shifting Travel Patterns
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 20, 2025 – Following a successful first quarter marked by strong occupancy and buoyant demand, the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) is taking a forward-looking stance on the months ahead. While accommodations providers are reporting occupancy projections in the 70-80% range for the second quarter, the association remains focused on driving market confidence and strategically leveraging emerging opportunities.
The global economic climate continues to evolve, particularly in the United States – our primary source market – where political volatility and financial market disruptions have altered consumer behavior in recent months. These shifts are impacting how and when travellers make decisions. While discretionary spending remains strong among many U.S. households, data shows that the perception of financial instability is causing a degree of booking hesitancy, especially for long-haul and premium travel.
“As an industry, we are seeing that the decision-making window has shortened, not as a reflection of weakened demand, but as a result of shifting consumer confidence,” said TCHTA President, James McAnally. “Our members are seeing that while travellers are still willing to spend, they’re booking closer to travel dates, waiting until they feel certain that the conditions are right. This is especially evident in U.S. markets, where socio-political narratives are influencing consumer sentiment in real time.”
Despite this trend, says the TCHTA, Turks and Caicos has several advantages that position it favourably.
TCI’s luxury accommodations continue to benefit from a resilient high-spend traveller demographic. This segment, less impacted by
economic contractions, remains committed to quality experiences and has consistently favoured Turks and Caicos for its exclusivity, safety, and service. Additionally, group travel, particularly within the corporate, celebratory, and wedding segments, has shown notable strength with outlook heading into the summer particularly promising. Of special note, all-inclusive properties are reporting a stronger outlook than traditional resort models heading into the summer.
Still, opportunity lies within the data. With Canadian travel to the U.S. slowing significantly in recent months fueled by a combination of geopolitical tensions, visa entry concerns, and evolving traveller preferences, Turks and Caicos is well-positioned to step forward as a compelling alternative. Direct airlift from major Canadian cities, along with the destination’s longstanding appeal and a bilingual-friendly environment, provides a strategic advantage in courting this market further. The destination’s proximity and premium positioning align well with the travel desires of Canadians seeking leisure without the stress of navigating contentious or restrictive border experiences.
McAnally stated, “In the face of a shifting global travel landscape, Turks and Caicos remains steadfast in its value proposition: a high-quality, world-class destination with consistent service standards and an unmatched natural environment. As travellers grow increasingly discerning, both in terms of how they spend and where they choose to go, our industry’s ability to clearly communicate our strengths is critical.”
To that end, the TCHTA says it is proud to support the relaunch and expansion of the #WhyILoveTCI campaign, spearheaded by Experience Turks and Caicos. Originally birthed by the TCHTA in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the hashtag has remained active and resonant across platforms, garnering tens of thousands of impressions across Instagram and Facebook over the years. Its organic origin and authentic tone have kept it alive in the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Now, as Experience TCI breathes new life into the campaign, TCHTA members are leaning in with renewed commitment.
“We recognize the importance of not just reacting to market shifts, but leading through them with creativity and purpose,” said Karen Whitt, TCHTA Marketing Chair. “Our partnership with Experience TCI is a reflection of that leadership, and the #WhyILoveTCI campaign is a natural evolution of a story the destination began telling years ago. It’s personal, it’s proven, and it’s perfectly timed.”
The TCHTA says it will continue to engage members and regional partners in shared learning and strategy, recognizing that the factors influencing global travel today are nuanced, interconnected, and fluid. As part of this effort, the Association is strengthening its data collection and forecasting capabilities to support members with more dynamic tools to navigate the months ahead.
Confidently, the organization’s CEO, Stacy Cox said, “As an association, we believe that transparency, data-led insights, and forward momentum are key. This is not a moment to be reactive; it is a time to be visible, proactive, and in control of our narrative. Turks and Caicos is not waiting to see how the market plays out. We are analyzing, adjusting, and advancing.”
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an
electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.
During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.
“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to
happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.
Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.
Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”
Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to
support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”
Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise
Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.
Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.
Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.
The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.
At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.
For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.
The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff. The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.
Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.
Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.
Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.
Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire
month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.
Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.
“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.
For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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