New Experience Turks and Caicos DMMO Launched

Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Josephine Connolly in a press conference at the recent Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace held in Barbados, informed tourism and travel industry partners of the newly established Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO) that will replace the current Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board in the coming months.

“Experience Turks and Caicos” will officially commence July 1st 2023; with the sole responsibility of managing and marketing the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is one of the most tourism dependent destinations in the world. Home to the best beaches in the world, including the world renown Grace Bay Beach, and stunning natural assets, have become the primary engine of economic growth for the Islands.

“In the post pandemic era, our dependence on tourism has demonstrated the need for Turks and Caicos Islands to review the management and development of tourism, preserve and protect our natural assets for sustainable economic growth, resilience and competitiveness to attract and increase international visitors annually”, stated Honorable Minister of Tourism, Josephine Connolly.

In March 2022, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government commissioned the services of Target Euro Srl. through an open tender process, to develop in collaboration with tourism stakeholders a new TCI Destination Marketing and Management Organization and financial model.

“The New DMMO, Experience Turks and Caicos, is designed to more than market and promote the destination. Its mandate is to increase the tourism value chain throughout the entire destination, improve competitiveness, inclusive growth and sustainable development. All tourism sectors will be represented with a seat at the table in the way forward in the management and marketing of the destination with their representation on the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Hotel and Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce, Turks and Caicos Airport Authority and the Ports Authority ensuring that all stakeholders and residents can genuinely participate in the decision-making process in the development of the tourism and hospitality industry”, stated Minister Connolly.

The Destination Marketing and Management Organization is established to:

1. Actively collaborate and partner with the private sector for successful governance e.g., standards and regulations to ensure quality service and products and Co-Op marketing and promotions in source markets;
2. Increase investment in the diversification of the luxury product offers (hotels, resorts, villas, restaurants, natural and heritage attractions) beyond Providenciales and Grand Turk allowing more Turks and Caicos Islanders to earn income and benefit directly from tourism;
3. Manage a budget not solely from government funding but from also private sector funding and its own income generating events and marketing activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in key source markets; and
4. Working with other government agencies and departments to support the protection of our natural and cultural heritage while leveraging their benefits to tourism for economic growth.

A Change Manager, interim CEO, is currently in place to lead and manage the transition and the recruitment process for senior management and other key positions within the DMMO to ensure business continuity. A total of 24 individuals will be employed within its first year.

In 2022, the Turks and Caicos welcomed approximately 500,000 stayover visitors, a 17% increase vs 2019, and 1.1 million cruise visitors. At the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA), Marketplace 2023, CHTA reported the Caribbean led the rebound for travel globally for 2022 and for Q1 2023, this trend continues. Stayover arrivals increased by 17% for Q1 2023 for Turks and Caicos.

“The quick tourism recovery was achieved because of our everchanging COVID Plan and regular industry updates. The Turks and Caicos Island Government cautiously closed borders and adopted a strict vaccination program in 2021. This allowed for the country to reopen its borders much earlier than other Caribbean destinations moreover keeping the vaccine requirement in place until April 1st, 2023, allowed us to develop brand trust and increase our competitiveness among all target markets”, stated Minister Connolly.