At the 43rd edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held recently in Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos made a strong impression with a bold new vision for tourism development—one rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and competitiveness.

During a high-profile press conference, Paul Pennicook, the newly appointed Interim CEO of Experience Turks & Caicos, presented the destination’s strategic direction for 2025 and beyond. He began by addressing the reason behind the creation of Experience Turks & Caicos, a destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) established in the wake of the islands' strong post-pandemic recovery.

“With the surge in visitor arrivals after COVID-19, the government saw the need not only to market the destination but also to manage its growth effectively,” Pennicook explained. “We are not a single island—we are a collection of islands—and we are committed to ensuring that every community benefits from tourism.”

The new DMMO is guided by three key pillars: inclusive growth, sustainable development, and competitiveness. This includes reaching all islands and communities, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining high service standards across the tourism sector.

Strong performance and high-value tourism

Turks and Caicos welcomed robust visitor numbers in early 2025. Hotel occupancy reached 70.5% in January, 71.4% in February, and 72.4% in March—an average of 71% for the first quarter. Pennicook also highlighted the impressive average daily visitor spend: USD 1,544, signaling the destination’s continued appeal to high-value travelers.

Infrastructure upgrades and enhanced air connectivity

A key highlight of the presentation was the ambitious airport infrastructure upgrades underway. In Providenciales, bids have been received for the construction of a brand-new passenger terminal at the international airport, with Phase 2 of the Congestion Relief Project (2024–2026) set to add new departure gates and improve security screening.

South Caicos has now opened Norman B. Saunders International Airport to international flights, and a new terminal has been designed for North Caicos. Domestic air service between Providenciales and North Caicos continues to strengthen inter-island connectivity.

Reestablishing global presence

Experience Turks & Caicos has also renewed its marketing efforts globally. New agencies have been appointed in key markets: A.D.A. Global in the U.S., Vox International in Canada, and Paradise Promotions in the U.K.

“We are rebuilding our presence in each market with tailored campaigns, travel agent training, and familiarization trips,” said Pennicook. “We may be known for luxury, but we’re also working to broaden our appeal—without losing the essence of who we are.”

As Turks and Caicos continues to diversify its offerings while preserving its identity, the destination is positioning itself as a model for responsible tourism growth in the Caribbean.