Turks and Caicos Islands Welcomes One Million Cruise Passengers
Tourism Minister Hon. Josephine Connolly The Turks and Caicos Islands has reached a significant milestone, welcoming over one million cruise passengers in the first 10 months of 2024. As of
The Turks and Caicos Islands has reached a significant milestone, welcoming over one million cruise passengers in the first 10 months of 2024. As of October 31st, 2024, a total of 1,034,251 cruise passengers have arrived at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, surpassing the 924,250 passengers recorded in 2023.
“Grand Turk is on fire!” exclaimed the Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism. “Grand Turk has seen a significant increase in the number of ships and passengers arriving at the Cruise Centre throughout the year, and this growth is supported by a recent BREA report showing that over the past year, cruise passengers, crews, and the cruise lines spent a total of $116 million.”
Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has recognized this growth in the cruise sector and is working to enhance product offerings and visitor experiences. New initiatives and infrastructural upgrades are being implemented to ensure that Grand Turk remains one of the top cruise ports in the Caribbean.
Over the past year, the Grand Turk Cruise Centre has also welcomed major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Seascape, contributing to the overall growth of the sector.
In response to the rising popularity of Grand Turk, Experience Turks and Caicos is focused on creating new opportunities for both visitors and local businesses. Recent efforts have included a collaboration with the Aquila Centre for Cruise to offer workshops on Product Development and Vendor Excellence. These workshops aim to strengthen local tour operators and vendors, creating new opportunities for economic growth.
Additionally, Experience Turks and Caicos has launched Taste of Turks, a weekly food and culture fair that takes place every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Queen Street. The event celebrates the islands’ cuisine and culture, offering an immersive experience for both cruise passengers and locals. Visitors can enjoy authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine, handmade local gifts, and live performances, further enriching their time on the islands.
