Turks and Caicos has emerged as the Caribbean’s leading luxury travel destination in 2024, recording an impressive 73% growth in premium-class travel compared to the previous year. According to data from Forward Keys Destination Insights, this surge underscores the region’s appeal to affluent travelers seeking exclusive experiences. The Caribbean’s overall overseas air passenger arrivals have increased by 9% year-on-year in the first half of 2024, with high-end cabin bookings, including First and Business Class, soaring by 39% compared to the same period in 2023.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, credits this achievement to the Turks and Caicos Islands’ status as a premier luxury destination. “With the best beaches in the Caribbean, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, and a multi-island product offering diverse experiences—from bone-fishing in South Caicos and diving in Grand Turk along the world’s third-largest barrier reef to relaxing on secluded beaches in Middle Caicos and exploring underground caves in North Caicos—these islands are the perfect getaway for our affluent, multi-generational market.”
In addition to its appeal among luxury travelers, the Turks and Caicos Islands achieved an impressive 87% occupancy rate in the first months of 2024, surpassing Caribbean destinations like Saint Lucia and Aruba. Data from analytics firm STR indicates that the region’s overall annual occupancy rose by two percent in 2023 compared to 2019, reaching 65.6%, while the 74.3% occupancy rate for March 2024 surpassed the 70.9% rate of March 2023.
Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotels and Tourism Association, emphasized the effective marketing efforts of local hoteliers. “Our hoteliers continue to invest in marketing and promotion efforts, not just for their properties but for the destination. With several new properties coming on stream in the coming months and years, we are confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands will remain the premier destination of choice for our market,” she said.
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