Tourist arrival numbers continue to surge to Turks and Caicos, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The destination’s numbers in the first quarter were just about even with what had been spectacular visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2019. 

Indeed, Turks and Caicos welcomed 138,762 arrivals in the first quarter, which represented 98 percent of the same period in 2019. 

The 98 percent number represents one of the strongest tourism recoveries in the entire Caribbean region.

“The tourism industry is poised for a full recovery,” said Mary Lightbourne, the acting director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. 

“The first quarter, especially March, is traditionally excellent for winter vacationers, and has seen a robust [change] in visitor arrivals, almost paralleling the corresponding month in 2019, which saw the best pre-COVID arrivals for the sector,” Lightbourne said. 

Turks and Caicos has been reporting an average month-to-month increase of 33 percent so far in 2022. 

The United States continues to be the destination’s primary source market, according to data from the Tourist Board. 

“These arrival figures are indicative that the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be a sort after destination,” Lightbourne said. “We are indeed on pace to increase our arrivals in the coming weeks and months, welcoming all our guests to our Beautiful by Nature isles.”

The growth comes as Turks and Caicos last month lifted its pre-testing requirements for all vaccinated travelers. 

For more, visit Turks and Caicos.