Calm after Hurricane Ike is rapidly returning to the paradise islands of Turks and Caicos, and the tropical storm warnings have been lifted.

Providenciales International Airport has reopened for business as the flow of both tourists and residents gets back to normal volumes.The island of Providenciales suffered the least of the damage and more than half of its hotels are fully open and operational, with the remainder opening in October.

Providenciales’ powder white sand beaches have been cleared of debris, its crystal clear oceans are calm and most water activities are resuming. Provo is buzzing as people return to normal, everyday life and tourists enjoy the island paradise.

“We are fortunate the majority of our tourism infrastructure on Providenciales is intact as no resorts, restaurants or other structures have suffered significant damage. More than 50 percent of our hotels are fully open and operational with the remaining hotels opening in October after they have completed their annual general maintenance,” said Honorable Wayne Garland, executive chairman of the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board.

Providenciales resorts currently open to guests include The Somerset, The Tuscany, and Club Med all on Grace Bay. The Regent Palms and The Sands, also on Grace Bay, will reopen on 13 September followed by Seven Stars two days later, Parrot Cay on 27 September and Beaches in November.

Grace Bay Club and Turks & Caicos Club will reopen on 1 October after regularly scheduled annual maintenance. Ocean Club Resort, Ocean Club West, Nikki Beach Hotel and Amanyara will reopen in the coming weeks after landscaping cleanup is complete.

The islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, North Caicos and South Caicos bore the brunt of Hurricane Ike, however there are no reports of injuries or fatalities. Recovery efforts are concentrated here with repairs underway shortly.

The Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government’s Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will finalize a complete assessment of Hurricane Ike’s impact in the coming days.
——-