TCI News
Turks & Caicos Islands Debuts at World Gourmet Summit 2019
#Providenciales, April 12, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The 23rd World Gourmet Summit, one of the most anticipated culinary festivals in the world, will for the first time include participants from the Turks & Caicos Islands in its 2019 edition. The World Gourmet Summit began on April 1, 2019 and continues through to May 12, 2019 across various restaurants and venues in Singapore.
The Turks & Caicos Islands culinary team includes Culinary Ambassador Nikita Skippings, Lorraine Kenlock and notably two junior chefs Kevin Missick and Robinangel Simons who completed the TCHTA Hospitality Adventure Program. The Turks & Caicos Islands was extended an exclusive invitation to participate in the World Gourmet Summit which features a diverse curation of cuisines from around the world. The Turks & Caicos Islands chefs will have the unique opportunity to introduce the country’s native cuisine to an international audience.
Since 1997, the World Gourmet Summit has successfully grown into a globally recognized culinary event. Every year, a constellation of stars from the international and local culinary arena showcase a delectable spread of gastronomic experiences for a community of fine dining enthusiasts.
Encompassing a series of dazzling events, including the gourmet golf experience, vintner dinners and special themed and celebrity dinners, the World Gourmet Summit is a spectacular annual gourmet expedition specially crafted for discerning individuals who appreciate fine wines and cuisines.
The culinary team from Turks & Caicos Islands is sponsored by the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board and The Caribbean Food & Wine Festival (which is underwritten by Grace Bay Resorts and The Wine Cellar).
Ramon Andrews, Director of Tourism stated, “The Turks & Caicos Islands is positioning itself as the culinary capital of the Caribbean and the preferred gourmet destination. Turks & Caicos is renowned for our pristine, white sand beaches, however increasingly, we are attracting travelers from around the globe for our cultural and diverse culinary experiences, top chefs, and food festivals. From the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, Turks & Caicos Conch Festival to the annual Lobster Festivals, our destination offers visitors an opportunity to savor the culinary adventures the islands have to offer. The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor and endorse TCI’s participation which will assist with promoting our destination on a global culinary stage”.
Nikheel Advani, Co-Founder of the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, was instrumental in securing Turks & Caicos Islands’ participation in this year’s summit. Advani commented, “This is the first time that the Turks and Caicos Islands culinary talents will be showcased on a global platform at one of the most prestigious gourmet events – The World Gourmet Summit! We will also have the opportunity to take two young Turks and Caicos Islands chefs – one from the Community College and the other from the Lit’l Chefs program – who will shadow the Turks and Caicos Islands Master and Guest Chefs – they will take part in all the culinary experiences the gastronomic event has to offer! We are truly honored to be invited to this event and are proud to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands internationally!”
Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association comments, “The TCHTA is proud to congratulate Kevin Missick and Robinangel Simons, on their selection to participate in the 23rd edition of the World Gourmet Summit along with talented local chefs. This will be the first time that the TCI participates in this prestigious culinary event, which presents an incredible opportunity for both students who got their start in our Hospitality Adventure Camps. The TCHTA is always looking for ways to develop local talent and their progress down the path to a culinary career has been remarkable. We’re incredibly delighted that they will be able to experience the culinary side of Singapore first hand and we look forward to seeing how they can apply that experience upon return.”
The origin of Turks & Caicos Islands’ involvement in this year’s World Gourmet Summit came after Peter Knipp, founder of the World Gourmet Summit, visited Providenciales in 2018 and expressed that he was extremely impressed with the culinary scene. During his visit he met with key industry stakeholders and subsequently an invitation was extended for Turks & Caicos to participate in the exclusive festival.
Chef Lorraine Kenlock, owner of Frenz Deck (the only farm to table dining experience in Providenciales), will participate as a special guest chef and Chef Nikita Skippings, Culinary Ambassador of the Turks & Caicos Islands, is designated as an international master chef. Both chefs will participate in a number of events including Chefs’ A La Minute – Meet the Stars and the Opening Reception. The Opening Reception will include notable guests such as ambassadors various embassies and countries, WGS International master chefs and other talented chefs in the industry, media, and industry heavyweights. The chefs will be accompanied by Mary Lightbourne Deputy Director of Tourism, Nikheel Advani Co-Founder of CFWF, Murad Mohamad CFWF Committee Member, and Stacy Cox CEO of TCHTA.
The culinary team representing Turks & Caicos hosted a tasting event on April 8, 2019 at Crackpot Kitchen where invited guests were treated to a preview of the traditional dishes which will be served during the event including tropical scorched conch, stewed conch and dough and island fish and grits – each featuring a gourmet flair.
The Turks and Caicos Islands presence at the World Gourmet Summit is historic and presents a great opportunity for exposure and promotion of our culture and heritage through food. Islanders can follow Team TCI’s experience at the World Gourmet Summit by following the official hashtags #WGS #WorldGourmetSummit #WGS2019 #TCIWGS #TurksAndCaicos #WhyILoveTCI #TeamTCI.
Press Release: TCI Tourist Board
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.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department 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 followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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