Experience Turks and Caicos Collaboration Puts Grand Turk in the Spotlight  

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (June 9th, 2025) – Grand Turk, the cruise capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is the latest star of a travel guide taking viewers on an in-depth exploration of the island thanks to a collaboration between Experience Turks and Caicos and Mr. Bill Panoff, publisher and travel expert from Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine.

From May 5th to 8th, 2025, Experience Turks and Caicos collaborated with Mr. Panoff to produce a Digital Travel Content episode promoting Grand Turk as a premier cruise destination.

During his visit, Mr. Panoff explored the island’s rich history and vibrant culture through an island tour led by Mr. Robert Hall, Brand Ambassador for Experience Turks and Caicos. His itinerary included visits to the Turks and Caicos National Museum, interactive sessions with local chefs, and engagement with the community to play traditional games such as dominoes and dine in some of the local restaurants.

Mr. Panoff also experienced Grand Turk’s world-renowned marine attractions with a water excursion hosted by local operator Exclusive Escapes, where he snorkelled, harvested conch, enjoyed a live demonstration of fresh conch salad preparation, visited Gibbs Cay to swim with stingrays, and captured stunning film and photos of the island’s iconic wall diving experience.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, was among those featured in the production. He said: “It was a real pleasure connecting with Bill and being part of this project. Grand Turk is more than just a cruise stop, it’s a living, breathing piece of our national identity, and it deserves the spotlight. My mission, and that of Experience Turks and Caicos, is to make sure every island gets its shine, and this feature does exactly that. From culture to cuisine to unmatched marine experiences, Grand Turk delivers.”

“We want the world to see what we already know, that Grand Turk holds stories, energy, and natural beauty that rival any destination on Earth. What Bill captured was not just tourism, it was authenticity, pride, and the rhythm of our people. This is what makes Turks and Caicos special. I encourage everyone to watch the episode, share it, and plan their visit. You haven’t truly experienced Turks and Caicos until you’ve experienced Grand Turk.”

Mrs. Candesha Mills, Product Development Manager for Experience Turks and Caicos said: “I am very excited that we were able to collaborate on this project with Porthole Cruise to showcase the beauty of the nation’s capital and the vibrant cruise experience Grand Turk has to offer. This video highlights not only our stunning destination but also the warmth and hospitality that define our tourism product.”

“My visit to Grand Turk left a lasting impression — not just for its natural beauty, but for the genuine warmth of its people and the authenticity that radiates from every corner of the island,” said Mr. Panoff.

Experience Turks and Caicos’ collaboration with Mr. Panoff provides a unique opportunity to showcase Grand Turk through high-quality, engaging video content. By leveraging Mr. Panoff’s industry credibility and extensive audience reach, the final product will significantly enhance the island’s visibility. The episode will serve as a valuable promotional asset, supporting both internal and external marketing efforts to drive increased interest and visitation to Grand Turk.

Experience Turks and Caicos would like to thank our stakeholders who played a key role in hosting the Porthole crew — Osprey Beach Hotel, Sandbar Restaurant, Turks Head Inne Restaurant, and Exclusive Escapes — for their exceptional service and unwavering support throughout this initiative.”

To view the feature on Grand Turk, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZvMuwRkng