Higgs Resigns As Turks And Caicos’ Director Of Tourism

Turks and Caicos’ director of tourism Ralph Higgs is retiring after 20 years of employment, effective Sept. 30, the country’s tourist board announced Thursday.

Higgs helped Turks and Caicos maintain double-digit growth, even during the recent years of financial downturn. He’s led a push in marketing initiatives, successfully branding Tucks and Caicos as a sophisticated, upscale getaway for wealthy clientele. According to the TCTB, last year the island nation welcomed 1.3 million tourists, an 8.1% increase in stay-over arrivals.

Higgs said the tourism sector has never been stronger: “Our natural sites and attractions, while some may need a little attention, are in pristine condition. Our room inventory is first-class. Other offerings including culinary and our weekly cultural extravaganza are the envy of the region. We have never had more flights from international and regional gateways as we do now, and traveling between our Sister Islands has never been easier. Certainly our people have never been more embracing of our visitors and our tourism sector.”

Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board Don Gardine, said the country is now “a world- class destination and the envy of many in the region,” because Higgs overcame challenges in developing, building and marketing.