Once coveted as a Canadian province (how does that feel now?), Turks and Caicos bears no ill will. Quite the opposite in fact, as Canada rates as the Caribbean islands’ second largest market after this country’s current would-be colonizers, the US.
Following an outing on the weekend at the Outdoor Adventure show in Toronto, a delegation from TCI hung around for a lunch with about 50 members of the trade, organized by Experience Turks and Caicos’ new Canadian representatives, VoX International.
Even though the destination has been absent from the Canadian market for a few years, Experience Turks and Caicos Chief Marketing Officer Trina Adams said the islands have a long and loving relationship with Canada.
Moreover, with close to 50,000 Canadians visiting in 2024, Experience Turks and Caicos tourism specialist Oshin Whyte noted, “Even though we’ve haven’t been active in market, Canadians are still coming.”
Not surprisingly, White said Canadians mostly visit in the winter, taking advantage of a modest 3.5-hour flight from Toronto or Montreal to reach the islands’ world-class beaches (most prominently Grace Bay), crystal-clear turquoise waters, and daily average temperatures of 28 degrees C.
Known – and marketed – as a “barefoot luxury” destination, TCI offers great resorts (Beaches is the biggest), which are beginning to pop up beyond the main islands of Providenciales (“Provo”) and Grand Turk.
Indeed, TCI – a self-governing British overseas territory – boast 40 islands and “hidden gem” cays, though only nine are inhabited with a total population of only about 50,000.
As such, the destination is a natural paradise – and a place that Turks and Caicos islanders (as the locals are officially called) are determined to keep that way, with Adams stating, “sustainability is the heart of our mission… and balancing our growth is everything to us.”
With this in mind, Adams explained that, beyond beaches and relaxation, TCI is an outdoor and adventure destination, where activities like eco tours, hiking, bird and whale watching, golf, snorkelling, and diving are popular – the latter made possible by TCI boasting the world’s third largest barrier reef.
More urban pursuits, of course, abound, with fine dining, spa and wellness pursuits, and a unique local culture that boasts carnivals, “ripsaw” music, local fish fries, and more.
Travel trade
Adams says working with the travel trade is a key part of its strategy in Canada, with Experience Turks and Caicos (through VoX) able to provide support and marketing materials, conduct webinars, host FAMs, and offer co-op marketing possibilities. A destination specialist program is in the works.
The destination, and eight of its prominent resorts, are also members of Virtuoso.
Meanwhile, TCI is served daily from Toronto by Air Canada and three times a week from Montreal in the winter and once a week during the summer; also, WestJet flies three times weekly.
“Turks and Caicos is unlike many destinations in the Caribbean,” concluded Adams. “And we are excited to be back in Canada.”
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.