News
Wymara Resort + Villas Achieves Green Globe Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Luxury in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos, April 17, 2025 – Wymara Resort + Villas is proud to announce that it has officially been awarded Green Globe Certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. Timed with Earth Month, this milestone underscores Wymara’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, community support, and best-in-class sustainable practices — all while delivering luxury with a conscience, a hallmark of the Wymara experience.
In its inaugural audit, Wymara placed among the top-performing first-time applicants, laying the groundwork for continued progress toward climate-conscious hospitality.
“Achieving Green Globe Certification is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of — it reflects not only our values, but the collective passion and effort of our entire team,” says Shelley Rincon, CEO, Wymara Resort + Villas. “Sustainability has been woven into our DNA since day one, and this certification affirms our position at the forefront of responsible luxury travel in the Caribbean.”
A True Changemaker in Caribbean Hospitality
Wymara Resort + Villas isn’t just checking boxes — it’s redefining what sustainable luxury looks like in the Caribbean. With deep-rooted values and a future-focused mindset, Wymara has implemented comprehensive initiatives that not only minimize its environmental impact, but actively invest in the health, culture, and future of the Turks and Caicos Islands — a destination proudly known as Beautiful by Nature.
This commitment ensures that the island’s pristine beauty, rich marine life, and vibrant community are preserved for generations to come.
From eliminating plastics to restoring coral reefs and supporting youth development, Wymara is proof that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive — they’re stronger together.
- Plastic-Free Commitment: Wymara has eliminated single-use plastics resort-wide, including the introduction of wooden key cards and convenient water refill stations located throughout the property, along with other operational changes that remove plastic from
daily use. - Smart Water Management: In a destination where fresh water is limited and often imported, Wymara has taken steps to reduce unnecessary water use in landscaping. Rainbird sensors have been installed throughout the property’s irrigation system to provide precise, real-time readings of soil moisture. These sensors automatically suspend watering when moisture levels exceed preset thresholds — helping to conserve water and reduce strain on local resources.
- Commitment to Marine Conservation: One of Wymara’s most innovative initiatives is its end-of-stay donation program, launched in 2023. Since then, the resort and its guests have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, directly advancing coral reef conservation. In 2025 alone, the program is projected to raise over $140,000. Guests are invited to contribute $5 per night, and select menu items donate 10% of proceeds to the Fund. Wymara’s long-term vision is to inspire other hotels and watersports operators across the islands to adopt similar programs — a collective effort that could significantly change the future of reef preservation in Turks and Caicos.
- Community Investment: $300,000 donated in the past three years to the Edward C. Garland Youth Centre, directly supporting education and youth development on-island.
- Coastal Clean-Ups: Wymara organizes monthly beach clean-up days to protect the surrounding coastline and marine environment. These efforts engage both guests and the local community and reflect the resort’s recognition that its success is directly tied to the preservation of the island’s natural beauty, including the world’s third-largest reef and diverse marine life.
- Sustainable Sourcing: From spa products made with on-site botanicals by The Wildflower Skincare Lab to eco-conscious offerings from 111SKIN, Wymara integrates sustainability into every touchpoint. In the kitchen, menus feature locally caught fish and island-grown produce, reducing the resort’s footprint and supporting regional farmers and fishers.
“The precedent-setting support we have received from Wymara for our coral reef conservation efforts has been instrumental to our ability to expand our operations,” says Alizee Zimmermann, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, the country’s only environmental advocacy NGO. “Coastal and marine ecosystems are culturally valued by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Wymara Resort + Villas are exemplary when it comes to embodying sustainable practices for all the right reasons.”
Sustainability That Goes Beyond the Surface
As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Wymara’s impact goes beyond sustainability. The executive team champions gender equality, employee development, and cultural connection through mentorship programs, staff training, and partnerships that elevate local artisans and suppliers.
Wymara is one of just six resorts in Turks and Caicos to be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with a Four-Star rating. Now, with Green Globe Certification secured, the resort is doubling down on its pursuit of Five-Star status — blending world-class luxury with meaningful change.
A Global Endorsement of Impact
Green Globe is the premier global certification for sustainable tourism. Certified members are independently audited based on over 380 criteria, covering everything from energy use and waste reduction to community involvement and biodiversity protection. With increasing pressure on travel and hospitality brands to meet net-zero targets by 2050, Green Globe Certification provides credible, third-party assurance to travelers who care about their environmental footprint.
Green Globe Certification CEO Birte Pelayo congratulated Wymara Resort + Villas, the newest member of the elite sustainable hospitality community.
“The Caribbean is home to some of the first resorts in the world to achieve certification by Green Globe, and we are excited to welcome Wymara to this elite collection of sustainable hospitality businesses,” said Birte Pelayo, CEO, Green Globe Certification. “From supporting coral reforestation to eliminating single-use plastics and restoring sand dunes and natural ecosystems, Wymara is active and engaged in preserving and improving its holiday destination.”
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals