Above: the Turks and Caicos Islands

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Turks and Caicos Islands envisions a “significant boost” for its tourism arrivals, according to Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Rufus Ewing.

The Premier, who was addressing the House of Assembly this week, said that the British Overseas Territory would be continuing its marketing and promotion efforts in new source markets like South America and Asia, while maintaining a focus on its largest source market, the United States.

“The opening of the Providenciales new airport expansion in October will provide additional space and increased comfort to visitors and travelers,” Ewing said. “This, combined with the new hotel keys within the next 18-24 months, will result in a significant boost in our visitor arrivals and job and business opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

The territory has already seen a significant job in visitors arrivals in 2014, with a 30 percent improvement in the first quarter.

Ewing said the territory also recently opened a tourism promotion office in Canada, and is planning to “accommodate and rebrand” the territory’s London office as the “Turks and Caicos Office,” which would be responsible for marketing and promoting tourism, investment and financial services.

“Tourism is our main industry and has for several years been the mainstay of our economy,” Ewing said. “It is no secret that these beautiful by nature islands are the best kept secret and most [sought] after destination in the Caribbean.”

The territory also has several new projects in the development pipeline, including a JW Marriott and the recently-announced Third Turtle Resort.