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UK Passengers to Turks and Caicos Islands Increase as March Sets New Record for Air Arrivals

UK Passengers to Turks and Caicos Islands Increase as March Sets New Record for Air Arrivals

Experience Turks and Caicos is thrilled to announce a significant surge in air arrivals from the United Kingdom to the Turks and Caicos Islands, marking a positive turn in our tourism landscape. While the United States remains our primary tourism source, the rise in visitors from the UK during the initial months of this year is truly encouraging. From January to March 2024, we welcomed 3,946 arrivals from the UK and Europe, representing a remarkable 105.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge can largely be attributed to the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s non-stop flight from Heathrow, London to Providenciales on November 4th, 2023.

The introduction of twice-weekly flights by both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways has significantly improved accessibility, opening up exciting new opportunities within the European market. We’ve witnessed growth in arrivals from European nations such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands. Projections indicate a total of 8,130 passengers from the UK from January to August 2024, reflecting a substantial 54 percent increase year over year. France is expected to contribute 761 visitors, Italy with 513 passengers, and Germany with 436 passengers, each showing notable 55 percent increases year over year.

Expressing delight at this progress, the Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, stated, “The increase in UK and European arrivals reflects our concerted efforts to diversify our tourism offerings and expand our reach. We welcome visitors from the UK and beyond to experience the beauty of our islands and the warmth of our hospitality.” This surge in arrivals has contributed to a record-breaking March, with 77,559 air arrivals overall, marking a 15.57% increase over March 2023. Year to date, the islands have welcomed 204,237 air arrivals, demonstrating steady growth.

Complementing the increase in arrivals is a rise in online search activity from key markets, with strong evidence suggesting conversion into bookings based on current and forecasted air passenger arrivals. For US-based travelers, according to Google Flights, the Turks and Caicos Islands rank as the most searched destination for couples and family vacations and in the top five for solo travelers for Summer 2024.

Arrivals to the Turks and Caicos Islands are projected to remain robust with a 24% year-on-year increase through August, indicating that the tourism industry will remain vibrant throughout the year. March 2024 witnessed the highest cruise numbers so far, with 98,161 passengers, a slight decrease from March 2023. As we navigate these encouraging trends, Experience Turks and Caicos remains steadfast in our commitment to sustainable tourism development and the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage.