PROVIDENCIALES — It’s been a record start for the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a surge in air arrivals in both January and February that have outpaced the same period in 2023.

For January, the destination recorded 61,924 air arrivals, while February saw an uptick with 64,088 arrivals. This represents a 6% increase over January 2023, which saw 58,413 arrivals, and a 13.3% increase over February 2023, which saw 56,581 arrivals.

“We entered the winter season with optimism based on our 2023 figures and our expectations were surpassed. The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be the destination of choice for our affluent, luxury lifestyle market and we have been seeing that with thousands passing through the Howard Hamilton International Airport,” said Minister of Tourism Josephine Connolly. 

“On March 9, the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority (TCIAA) reported a staggering 10,077 passengers passing through the airport on that day alone! That marked a pinnacle for us with the highest influx of arrivals for the season to date,” the Minister added.

While air arrivals have increased, cruise visitors were lower in January and February 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023. The Grand Turk Cruise Centre welcomed 86,822 cruise passengers in January 2024 and 78,293 in February, compared to 88,471 cruise passengers in January 2023 and 96,127 in February 2023, a 1.98% and 18.56% decline, respectively.

AIRPORT ENHANCEMENTS

As the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to attract increased visitors, the TCIAA is working to ensure the comfort of guests as they arrive and depart. It has procured additional tents to provide a protective barrier from the elements should lineups extend beyond the building. It will also be distributing chilled bottle water to ensure passengers remain cool during their wait.

For departures, the ongoing Congestion Alleviation Project aims to minimize congestion at the airport and enhance the passenger experience. The project includes the immediate terminal buildout:

•  Expanded vehicle drop-off area (Completed)
•  Relocation of airline offices (Completed)
•  Second-level security screening (Ongoing)
•  Departure hold room expansion on the second level (Ongoing)
•  In transit passenger screening and holding room (Completed)
•  Expansion of the departures and boarding gates (Ongoing)

Other initiatives include increased security personnel, strategically positioning hosts to ensure efficient flow in high foot traffic areas and live entertainment to serenade passengers.