Community News
Cabin Fever Countdown: “We are Turks & Caicos!”
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
I am not sure what caught me first; it might have been the exotic flock of birds, or the blue of the ocean as the dolphin leaped out of it. Of course, there was the beauty of the white sand beach, and the aerial shot of the blue-green ocean. It all looked so serene. It got my mind going, and it made me want to ask readers a question; when this lockdown is over, where is the first island you want to visit?
In the fall of 2019, I started a series called, “Winter Wish List.” Without setting limits on one’s imagination, I wanted readers to close their eyes and visualize their dream trip. Too often, we say we want to take that amazing vacation, and make special memories. Yet, there is always a reason why we can’t: time, we are two busy, the children, not enough money, and now, a pandemic.
It’s time to start setting our sights on the future. I am starting a new series with the hopes of building excitement and anticipation to post lockdown. Dreaming of adventures to come can significantly boost overall happiness (Journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2010). Research has also shown that planning a vacation benefits us by: increasing physical health, happiness and career success. I would like to welcome all readers to our new travel series, Cabin Fever Countdown.
Our first island is comprised of 40 islands and cays. It has been called “Beautiful by Nature,” and for good reason. The Caribbean is known for its clear, blue waters, but our feature island will not be outdone with shades of blue ranging from tourmaline to deep azure. The sublime waters call to water enthusiasts; whether it’s: sailing, windsurfing, kite boarding, kayaking or just taking a dip, there is just something about feeling that warm, clear water against your skin. Finally, the soft, wide-stretched beaches line the stunning, scenic coast, of the beautiful Turks & Caicos.
Turks and Caicos islands welcomed a total of 1,598,557 visitor arrivals in 2019, which is a 9% increase of arrivals overall compared to the previous year’s record-breaking figures. These arrivals compose of: 486,739 stopover and 1,111,818 from cruises. The American market accounted for 82% of the destination’s land based arrivals; Canada followed by Europe accounted for 9% and 4% of stopover arrival shares respectively. (Turks and Caicos Tourism Statistics Report, 2019)
Let’s be honest; it is not hard to have an island like Turks and Caicos at the top of your countdown catalogue. The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has launched a new marketing campaign that promotes incredibly, breath-taking imagery and highlights the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ island. The Tourist Board commissioned local media firm Caya Hico to produce ‘We Are Turks and Caicos’ which showcases the best of the islands including notable experiences such as Flamingo Pond, Island Fish Fry, and Mudjin Harbour.
“The promotional campaign will be rolled out in a phased approach over the next six months and is focused on: digital marketing through social media, streaming platforms, redesign of our destination brochure and website, and an updated strategic public relations plan.
During this difficult time, while a global health crisis affects the travel and tourism industry, we are using the video to send a message to our industry partners and visitors to remind them that we’re all in this together. We are encouraging them to stay safe and when the time is right the Turks and Caicos Islands will be waiting to welcome them once again to our world class destination.” Pamela Ewing (Director of Tourism)
Turks & Caicos beckons you to visit an undiscovered Caribbean. The video is available by visiting the following link: https://youtu.be/UL5_IUXbbBw.
Turks and Caicos Tourism Statistics Report, 2019