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Private Sector pushing ahead with bettering brand TCI without Government, Tourism Minister takes exception to statements

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 6, 2018 – Hotel and Tourism officials are out of the closet about their view of the Government’s lethargy when it comes to progressing tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands; reported upon in a media release yesterday where the TCHTA announced a new strategic alliance with Carnival Corporation & plc to promote and enhance the destination.

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association appears to be more ready than ever before to take the reins when it comes to charting a clear way forward for brand Turks and Caicos.  The organization, through its Board, spells it out, unequivocally in a Thursday media release.

“We can no longer wait for the government to match the industry’s ambitions and commit appropriate funds to overseas marketing and new product development,” says TCHTA’s Board.  “There are many options to enhance the destination’s tourism experiences and enhance our current marketing strategy, so the TCHTA together with Carnival Corporation & plc, will seek to take a proactive approach.”

While there is push back from Government on this statement, the TCHTA expressed that its 130 members are basically tired of waiting for a national tourism policy to be implemented; the sluggish pace for the activation of a formalized, ratified plan is chided especially in the aftermath of the two major hurricanes of September and a dip in arrival numbers for Provo.

From their Thursday statement: “However, the industry is at a key juncture, with a reported 4% decline in arrivals in 2017 following a 1% decline in arrivals in 2016. While recent natural disasters have played a major role in last year’s arrival decline, many other significant factors such as a lack of product development, misplaced marketing efforts, no solid or collaborative tourism strategy, and increased competition from other destinations have all affected the destination’s performance.”

Magnetic Media contacted the Minister of Tourism, Ralph Higgs who in 2015 was the Tourist Board Director, when the KMPG National Tourism Strategic Policy consultancy was contracted and completed; he is calling for a retraction.

“As it relates to the ambition of successive governments, this statement is baseless and rather unfortunate and, quite frankly, should be retracted. It was and still is the ambition of the TCI Government and its people which attracted many of the members of the TCHTA and Carnival to our shores in the first place.” 

The National  Tourism Policy and Strategic Policy is late, even for this administration.  The Minister, representing the Ministry and the Tourist Board explained the delay for the policy roll out.

“The funding of the plan has been hampered in part by the recent hurricanes and blanket exemptions on import duties which the government had to provide businesses and individuals, including members of the TCHTA, to have their business and the country open for business. As the country’s income improves, proper funding for the roll out of the strategic plan would be realized.”

However, when Magnetic Media looks back, it was announced at the PDMs First 100 days  press conference, held exactly one year ago on April 5, 2017 that funds were allotted to the policy creation and with an approved national budget, the Minister said, his government  would ensure the recommendations of the KPMG report became a living part of the islands.

Remarks from Hon Higgs from 2017 PDM Press Conference:  “For the first time since the introduction of the KPMG report, we have made funds available for the implementation of that report. So as soon as the budget is passed we will roll out a calendar of events carrying out the Change Document, consistent with the recommendations of the KPMG report”

Two months ago, a Cabinet Meeting report shared:  “…the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Heritage and Gaming’s acceptance of the National Tourism Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan for the Turks and Caicos Islands also referred to as the KPMG Report.”

Still it is unclear when and where and how this policy will go from three-year old promise to active policy.

 

 

 

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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News

Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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