News
Grand Turk Shines with Exceptional Cruise Arrivals
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands (27th September 2023) – The island of Grand Turk proudly unveils its standout cruise tourism numbers for the first six months of 2023. Celebrated for its pristine beaches, profound culture, and exceptional hospitality, Grand Turk solidifies its reputation as a top destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.
During the first half of the year, Grand Turk welcomed an impressive 143 ships, reflecting a 10.9% increase from the same timeframe in the previous year. A notable 491,806 cruise passengers set foot on its beautiful shores, marking a significant 51.7% increase in visits.
Highlighted below are standout figures from top source markets for the first six months of 2023:
The United States of America (USA): USA continues to dominate as the principal source market, accounting for an impressive 444,832 cruise arrivals. This statistic marks an extraordinary 90.45 percent surge, compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
Canada: Canada, a critical source market, recorded 27,228 passengers during the initial half of 2023, reflecting a 5.54 percent rise in cruise arrivals.
The United Kingdom: Contributing to the global influx, this market added 6,873 cruise arrivals, indicating a solid 1.40 percent growth from the previous year.
South America: Witnessing an 11 percent increase in arrivals, South America registered 2,360 cruise guests during the reported period.
Carnival Venezia makes its inaugural stop on Grand Turk on June 23rd 2023
The Caribbean: An impressive uptick was observed in the Caribbean market, with a 29 percent growth rate, amounting to 1,466 passengers in the first half of 2023.
Other Regions: Cruise arrivals from other global regions summed up to 9,047, illustrating a steady 1.84 percent rise.
Such diverse growth underlines Grand Turk’s appeal and commitment to attracting and accommodating travelers from different backgrounds and regions.
Further elevating Grand Turk’s stature, two cruise ships made their inaugural stops in Grand Turk: The Carnival Venezia, a Vista-Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line on June 23rd, and the exclusive adult-only ship, Scarlet Lady by Virgin Voyages, on August 20th, carrying an enthusiastic group of 2,778 passengers.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, expressed her sentiments: “The growth observed in the early months of 2023 emphasizes the allure of the island of Grand Turk as a prime cruise destination. This achievement mirrors the combined efforts of the devoted community, enterprising businesses, and the entire cruise sector. We are all committed to crafting unforgettable moments for visitors while safeguarding the island’s natural and cultural treasures.”
Scarlet Lady by Virgin Voyages makes its inaugural stop on Grand Turk on August 20th 2023
In a commitment to transparency and continuous engagement with stakeholders, Experience Turks and Caicos has also announced its intention to provide quarterly updates on cruise arrivals. These insights will delve into more than just cruise passenger arrivals. The quarterly updates will also include data segmented by the number of cruise calls, nationality and cruise lines respectively. This information will also assist the Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos develop tourism strategies to enhance the guest experience for long-lasting positive impacts for the island of Grand Turk, our cruise capital. Such deliberate strategies aim to maximize the benefits of tourism while preserving the island’s intrinsic values and beauty.
Providing regular updates and data, ensures that all stakeholders are consistently well-informed, laying the groundwork for more cohesive and sustainable advancement in Grand Turk’s cruise tourism industry.
About Grand Turk:
As the home of the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Turk sits 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, and 30 miles south of The Bahamas. It stands as one of the 40 islands making up the Turks and Caicos Islands’ archipelago. Renowned for its soft white-sand beaches, vibrant turquoise waters, and a rich tapestry of culture, Grand Turk entices diving enthusiasts. Many are drawn to its premier wall diving — with a breathtaking drop of nearly 7,000 feet, merely a ¼ mile from Duke Street’s beach. Seamlessly blending relaxation with adventure, Grand Turk guarantees cruise travelers an unparalleled and lasting memory.
Photo: WhereverIMayRoam Blog
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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