With a staggering An increase of 528 percent in searches compared to 2023, Turks and Caicos Islands will become the top Caribbean destination for Americans by 2025This is reported by the international flight comparison website Skyscanner.
While the Caicos Islands – especially bustling Providenciales – offer some of the world’s best luxury resorts, upscale dining and international shopping, Grand Turk, the island now attracting significant American interest, offers a quieter, less developed colonial setting and richer history.
Why are Americans trading luxury resorts and international shopping for a more tranquil destination? Everything points to a growing desire for a slower pace of life and access to quiet dive sites.
For example, with its colonial architecture and friendly locals, historic Cockburn Town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the true Caribbean way of life, setting it apart from the polished resort scene.
Furthermore, Grand Turk’s clear waters, remarkable marine biodiversity and famous ‘Wall’ (a world-class diving site) make it a natural draw for adventurous travellers.
Despite limited development (we can talk about that), the island has introduced a number of chic accommodations and gourmet restaurants in recent years that offer travelers a taste of warm local hospitality, far from the impersonal feel of large resorts.
“Smaller, alternative destinations are becoming increasingly popular with American travelers. Feeling burned out from work, Americans are looking for destinations where they can get out into nature.” says a Skyscanner spokesperson Caribjournal reporters. “Grand Turk is the perfect example, as it features the natural beauty and crystal clear waters that Turks and Caicos are known for, while still being off the beaten path of the destination’s main island of Providenciales.”
Turks and Caicos have also become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbeanwith a range of new companies now catering to cruise passengers docking on the islands.
Both cruise and air arrivals have seen significant growth in 2024, with a strong start in the first quarter.
Arrivals by air showed a steady increase in the first months of the year to 10.85 percent, with most visitors coming from the United States and Canada. March set a new all-time record with 77,559 aircraft arrivals, an increase of 15.57 percent compared to the previous year.
Cruise arrivals in the Turks and Caicos Islands are also breaking records, with an average of 25 to 29 port visits per month throughout the year.
Visitor numbers to this Caribbean paradise are expected to remain strong through the remainder of 2024, reaching a whopping 24 percent year-over-year increase, according to data from the 2024 Amadeus Destination Insights Report.
Those planning a trip to Turks and Caicos should book their accommodation well in advance as occupancy rates reach up to 87 percent, which may make it challenging for you to secure your dream hotel or resort.
But that’s a situation the government and the hospitality industry are addressing by opening several new properties between now and 2026, including the Andaz Turks & Caicos, which will be the island’s very first Hyatt hotel.
“We are pleased to announce that tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands has reached a record high,” said Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, a few months ago.
