Turks and Caicos Unveils Major Investment in Tourism

Turks and Caicos has unveiled several significant developments to the islands, including forthcoming luxury properties and a $25 million investment in the Grand Turk Cruise Center. 

The Cruise Port and infrastructure in Grand Turk, through a development agreement with Carnival Corporation, will see the acquisition of property to be converted into a vendor’s market, as well as the construction of a floating dock for the water sports operators.  

There will also be up to $1 million in grants to eligible operators, from water sports and golf card operators to beach vendors and wedding planners, to help them prepare for the reopening of the cruise industry, among other initiatives. 

Turks and Caicos Islands’ new and upcoming resorts offer a variety of accommodations ranging from resorts with spacious two- three- and four-bedroom suites, to multi-level penthouses. 

Nestled into the limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ secluded north shore, Rock House is opening in spring 2022 with 42 private cottages equipped with elevated, modern finishes and panoramic views of the property’s unique natural setting. Rock House is Grace Bay Resorts’ latest resort and residential vision and will offer amenities including a 100-foot infinity pool, a European-style Beach Club, handmade jogging trails, a signature restaurant, sunset bar, cave lounge, and fitness center. 

Set to begin construction in June 2022, the Bight Hotel will rise 45 feet high, providing guests views of Grace Bay Beach and beyond. Set amidst acres of lush tropical vegetation, the property will feature boutique-style suites, an expansive infinity pool, spa, yoga studio and training center, distillery and rum bar, 140-seat barn venue, and a garden-to-table restaurant.  

Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is slated to have nearly 60 exclusive hotel rooms and suites, as well as 74 residences. The property represents the first Andaz branded resort and residential property in the Caribbean. Boasting 5.5 acres of oceanfront luxury along Grace Bay Beach, the property will offer hotel guests and residents full-service amenities including a spa, exceptional dining options, a state-of-the-art wellbeing facility, and more. Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is starting construction later this year and is targeting an early 2023 opening. 

The new properties will join the recently opened Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, located on famed Grace Bay Beach, with 147 ocean view guest rooms, including 23 suites that showcase the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The property offers five three-story penthouse suites, multiple culinary venues, a dedicated Club Concierge and beach service, a private catamaran for guest use, a signature Ritz-Carlton spa, as well as an on-site casino that offers traditional table games for late-night entertainment. 

Following these announcements, Turks and Caicos Island Tourist Board has released preliminary visitor statistics showing that 2021 was one of the business summers on record. Compared to pre-pandemic statistics in 2019, the destination saw an increase of over 18% in June with 54,188 visitors, an increase of 19% in July increase with 56,022 visitors, and an increase of 15% in August with 41,734 visitors.  

The destination requires all visitors aged 16 and older to show proof of vaccination before entry.