The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed more than 1.5 million air arrivals and cruise visitors in 2023. Air arrivals increased in 2023 to 662,707 visitors, representing a 21.62 percent increase over 2019. These arrivals surpassed those in 2022 by 6.56 percent and 2021 by 52.38 percent. Separately, cruise tourism registered growth in 2023, with 924,250 guests arriving at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, representing a 25.84 percent increase over 2022. While cruise visitors for 2023 are below 2019 cruise visitor arrivals by 16.85 percent, Josephine Connolly, minister of tourism, expressed optimism for ongoing momentum in cruise tourism visitors for 2024.
“Our primary objective is to increase visitation from the affluent, luxury lifestyle, multi-generational market, to increase spend throughout all our islands and enhance the lives of our citizens across the entire archipelago," said Connolly. "Experience Turks and Caicos, established on July 1, 2023, was built upon three pillars—Inclusive Growth, Sustainability and Competitiveness—designed to achieve those objectives."
The Turks and Caicos Islands offers many sights and experiences beyond Providenciales—diving off the third largest barrier reef in Grand Turk; scenic secluded white sand beaches such as Bambarra Beach in Middle Caicos; picturesque natural formations such as the Indian Caves in North Caicos; and marine activities in South Caicos. In October 2023, Turks and Caicos achieved “Virtuoso Preferred” Destination Status. On top of that Turks and Caicos has eight properties that have met the requirements to become Virtuoso accredited, including Amanyara, Beach Enclave, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, The Palms Turks and Caicos, The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The Shore Club and Wymara Resort + Villas.
With the December launch of Silver Airways from Fort Lauderdale and the recent launch of Delta from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Turks and Caicos is providing additional ease and flexibility from the United States. Further, Delta’s route from Minneapolis expands its reach through the Midwestern cities of the U.S., including Cleveland, OH; Merton, WI; Brandon, SD; and Cherry Hills Village, CO.
For more information, visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com.
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