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Turks and Caicos Islands Celebrate a Banner Year of Global Awards in 2025  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (January 12th, 2026) – Experience Turks and Caicos is celebrating an exceptional year of international recognition, as the Turks and Caicos Islands earned multiple top-tier awards in 2025 across diving, beach, romance, honeymoon, and overall destination categories.

The accolades, many of which were reader-and traveller-voted, reflect the strength of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism product and the effectiveness of sustained public relations outreach and media engagement.

The awards span some of the world’s most respected travel, lifestyle, and industry platforms, reinforcing the destination’s reputation for pristine beaches, world-class marine experiences, romance, and authentic island charm.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, described the collective wins as validation of both the destination’s appeal and the strategic work behind the scenes.

He said: “This level of international recognition speaks to the global strength of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a destination and the consistently high-quality experiences visitors are enjoying across our islands. When travellers, readers, and industry audiences vote for Turks and Caicos, they are responding to our people, our beaches, our marine environment, our romance product, and the authenticity that sets us apart. These awards reinforce our position as one of the world’s leading island destinations and reflect the collective efforts of our tourism partners in delivering experiences that resonate long after visitors return home.”

Among the standout recognitions were the PADI Scuba Magazine 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, where Turks and Caicos ranked:

  • 2nd Place – Wall Diving
  • 3rd Place – Big Animals
  • Top 5 – Health of Marine Environment
  • Top 10 – Best Overall Dive Destination
  • Top 10 – Macro Life
  • Top 10 – Underwater Photography
  • Top 10 – Beginner Diving
  • Top 10 – Advanced Diving
  • One of the Best – Snorkeling
  • One of the Best – Cave, Cavern & Grotto Diving
  • One of the Best – Shore Diving

The destination also secured the #1 Island Destination title in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards UK, further cementing its global appeal.

Additional 2025 honours include:

  • World Travel Awards: Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 and Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination 2025
  • Air Canada Vacations: Best Beach Destination
  • Trazee Awards: Favourite Honeymoon Destination
  • USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards: #1 Best Beach – Bambarra Beach and #9 Best Beach – Grace Bay
  • World’s 50 Best Beaches: Grace Bay ranked #10
  • Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards: Taylor Bay ranked #18
  • Recommend Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards: Gold – Best Destination in Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda

Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, Mr. Paul Pennicook, emphasised that the recognition reflects years of consistent brand-building through storytelling, media relations, and immersive on-island experiences for travel journalists.

“These awards are not accidental,” said Mr. Pennicook. “They are the result of deliberate public relations pitching, strong relationships with international media, and impactful familiarisation trips that allow journalists and travel advisors to experience the Turks and Caicos Islands firsthand. When travellers vote for us, they are voting based on real experiences, and that is the most powerful form of endorsement any destination can receive.”

Experience Turks and Caicos remains committed to strengthening the destination’s global presence through targeted promotion, media engagement, collaboration with content creators locally and from source markets as well as continued collaboration with tourism partners, while ensuring that growth is supported by quality, sustainability, and authentic experiences across all islands.

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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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