Turks and Caicos Islands Expand Visitor Growth

by Brian Major
Last Updated: 11:20 AM ET, Friday, August 30, 2024

According to data from destination marketing organisation Experience Turks and Caicos (ETC), the Turks and Caicos Islands recorded double-digit year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals in July, continuing a trend of increasing visitor arrivals seen over the past year.

A total of 71,452 aircraft arrived in the archipelago this month, representing a 15.95 percent increase compared to July 2023.

In addition, Turks and Caicos welcomed 136,990 cruise passengers in July, an increase of 62.87 percent year-on-year, the highest number of passengers in a single month this year.

“Our destination remains open and welcoming all year round, proving that our product is attractive in all seasons,” said Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Higher hotel occupancy was accompanied by increased aircraft arrivals in July. Data from travel research firm STR shows occupancy in July at 75.8 percent, the third highest in the Caribbean region, STR said.

Turks and Caicos also posted the region’s second-highest average daily rate (ADR) in July, at $1,021.53. Still, the destination is bracing for a fall slump. Local hotels are reporting an average occupancy of 50 percent, with some reporting “last-minute bookings,” ETC officials said.

Additionally, seasonal closures are also planned. “As has been the practice in previous years, 13 properties are scheduled to close on various dates between August and December for maintenance and other activities,” ETC officials said in a statement.

Connolly expects the slowdown to remain a seasonal trend. “Data reported by Experience Turks and Caicos shows that while we can expect a slight decline in September and October, which is normal, international air capacity will increase towards the end of the year as we enter the winter season,” she said.

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