A US$10m redevelopment of the passenger facilities at Providenciales International Airport in Turks & Caicos has been announced by Airports Authority chief executive John Smith.

The planned expansion will nearly double the size of the terminal to better accommodate the 500,000 passengers who pass through the airport each year.

Under the plans, the airport will see facilities grow from 51,462 to 92,321 sq ft in size.

Work is scheduled to begin later this year and be completed in 2014.

It will ensure the airport meets the International Association of Travel Agents criteria for Level C Class facilities.

Once completed passengers will be able to enjoy expanded check in counter areas and self check in facilities, additional bathroom facilities, larger retail space for shops and restaurants, and improved medical amenities. 

The first phase of works will include the construction of a new traffic circulation system, an extension to the existing west car park, and extension of the departure Lounge.

“We are embarking on a journey of fundamental change in the way we conduct business and welcome tourists to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Smith.

“Our terminal expansion project will not only offer better facilities for passengers, but provide us with the room to expand over the next 15 years.”

“Providenciales International Airport is absolutely crucial to the Islander and visitor experience,” said Governor Ric Todd. “First impressions are vital, and I am certain that this work will provide the level of experience that our visitors demand.

A second phase will continue with the extension on the international check in area, security check point as well as the arrivals hall.

The third and final phase will include the domestic departures and arrivals area, completion of car park and aesthetics, including water features.

“Providenciales International Airport is absolutely crucial to the islander and visitor experience,” said governor Ric Todd.

“First impressions are vital, and I am certain that this work will provide the level of experience that our visitors demand.

“People who use the airport facilities know that it can become crowded at peak times - so does the airport’s Management.

“That is why they have been planning these crucial works as part of their overall master plan which also saw the runway expansion completed last year,” he concluded.

World Travel Awards

Earlier this year it was confirmed the paradise islands of Turks & Caicos will become the focus of the travel and tourism industry as they host World Travel Awards - the Oscars of the travel industry - on September 14th 2012.

The WTA Caribbean & the Americas Gala Ceremony 2012 will take place at the family-favourite, all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

WTA president Graham Cooke said: “We are delighted to be hosting our Caribbean & the Americas Ceremony 2012 in Turks & Caicos, a paradise destination currently enjoying a surge in tourism arrivals.

“The nation is entering an exciting new chapter in its history, and tourism will play an even greater role in its economic evolution.

He added: “As the country’s largest private sector employer, Beaches exemplifies the importance of travel and tourism in Turks & Caicos in generating jobs and tourism revenue.

“The resort has also taken the family vacation concept to a whole new level in the Caribbean.”