When we Canucks think of the Caribbean, often the first thing that comes to mind are the beaches: rimmed by turquoise water and boasting fine white sand … ahh - what’s not to like?
So there’s a whole lot to like about the Turks & Caicos Islands. 40 islands spread like a necklace between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, this British Overseas Territory is famed for its beaches, low-key charms and accommodation ranging from smaller properties to all-inclusives and some of the most sophisticated villas in the Caribbean.
Some 40 travel media, advisors and other suppliers learned all this and more at the luncheon hosted by Experience Turks & Caicos at Toronto’s Miss Lickermore’s Resto. While images of the pristine beaches were a feast for the senses, we feasted on a meal including “nuff nuff” slaw, fried snapper, braised collards and “very authentic” Johnny cakes. (Like to get into that T&C island mood? Listen to this TCI soundtrack. All that’s missing is your bathing suit and Ray Bans.)
“Our job is to enhance the visitor experience,” Trina Adams, CMO of Experience Turks & Caicos told the audience. “And at the same time, we want to sustain and preserve the beauty and cultural heritage.” With some 48,000 visitors last year (averaging 7 nights), Canadians are the #2 market.
With all those award-winning beaches, it’s no surprise that beaching and watersports are high on visitors’ to-do lists. As well as first-class snorkelling, scuba diving and whale watching, a little known fact is that there is also excellent fly-fishing, such as offered by Levardo Talbot of Talbot Adventures.
Land activities include hiking, bird watching and golf. And visitors are always welcome at a game of cricket (the national sport) where locals will be pleased to demystify what is happening on the “pitch”.
The islands are very keen to keep it all sustainable, starting with the National Trust, responsible to maintain man-made and natural heritage. Sites range from protected caves and ponds to remains of one-time plantations. “We know growth is coming but we cannot lose what we have,” Adams said.
Other pro-sustainability initiatives have included the introduction of hydroponic farms; hotels raising some of their own produce; and the banning of all single-use plastics such as straws, plastic bags and Styrofoam cups.
Accommodation includes some of the most breathtaking in the region – tiny Turks & Caicos has a whopping 8 Virtuoso properties. It’s an easy sell for your luxury clients, especially the multi-gens looking for barefoot luxury. “My clients all book villas or suites,” Vinnie Desousa of Direct Travel told Open Jaw. “They come back and rave about the destination – especially those beaches.”
For a truly luxe experience, suggest the Private Island Collection to your clients. Ambergris Cay (“amber-griss key”), Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. Ultra-luxurious, each provides privacy, seclusion and outstanding accommodation.
Lift is no problem for Canadians with regular service to PLS (Providenciales, the largest island) on AC from YYZ (as frequently as daily in high season) and YUL; and on WS to seasonally. YYZ-PLS is 4 hours. Learn more about the islands here.
