The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board has released its latest statistics, which indicate overall tourist arrivals to the Turks and Caicos Islands grew by 41% in the first quarter of this year, with robust growth recorded across all major source markets. January, February and March saw a combined total of 358,188 visitor arrivals to the destination, accounting for 104,437 more visitor arrivals than in the corresponding period in 2013. The combined number represents 105,506 stop-over visitors and 252,682 visitors arriving by cruise ship.
In a very strong start to the year, stop-over arrivals to the Turks and Caicos surged by 30% compared to the same period in 2013. The United States was the leading market generator of all stop-over arrivals to the Turks and Caicos with a sum total of 82,739 stop-over arrivals during the first quarter of 2014, a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2013. The destination’s second largest source market, Canada, indicated a slight rebound with a total of 14,830 stop-over arrivals during the first quarter of 2014, an increase of 13% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Stop-over arrivals from the European markets also signified first quarter growth, with arrivals from the United Kingdom and France increasing by 17% and 86% respectively.Continuing on its upward trend, the Turks and Caicos more than doubled its stop-over arrivals from Italy in the first quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period last year.Collectively the European market recorded 1,889 stop-over arrivals to the destination in the first quarter of 2014.A breakdown in stay-over arrivals from the European region reveals 873 visitors from the United Kingdom; 193 visitors from France; 394 visitors from Italy; 69 visitors from Germany and 360 visitors from other European nations.
The destination’s newest source market, Brazil, recorded 515 stop-over arrivals, an impressive growth rate of 55% at the end of first quarter of 2014. Increases in visitors from the Eastern Caribbean have also been a noted trend. Stop-over arrivals from the Caribbean region in the first quarter of 2014 increased 11% accounting for an additional 4,526 tourists. 1,007 stop-over arrivals visited the Turks and Caicos from the rest of the world, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific.
The Premier and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. the Hon. Rufus W. Ewing said these numbers reflect the strength and authenticity of the Turks and Caicos brand in international markets. “The Turks and Caicos brand has been a magnet to our guests who, upon visiting the country once, are compelled to come time and time again. These numbers are not only impressive but demonstrative that this jewel of ours is no longer a secret, and in fact, is one of the most sought after destinations in the region, and indeed the world,” Premier Ewing said. He noted that the country’s economy has already begun the climb towards recovery, and recognized the significance of the contribution that these travelers make. “Tourism has always been the bread basket of our economy and the efforts of both my Government and elected Governments of the past have ensured that the industry runs like a well-oiled machine. However, at the same time, we must recognize that the continued success of the industry, well into the future, remains dependent on the level of service that we provide each and every one of our visitors to the islands. Our hospitality must remain reflective of our high-end, luxury brand and must begin from the moment the guest engages the travel agent to the moment they return to their home. We must ensure that we, immigration and customs officials, taxi drivers and residents throughout the visit, continue to ensure the experience of our guests promote the values of safety, security and service,” added Premier Ewing.
Moving forward the Tourist Board will continue to increase its presence within the market place, embarking on a series of travel and trade shows, sponsor and promotional events in the US, Canada, Europe and Brazil, and continue working with wholesalers and hotel partners to sell the destination.
