Turks and Caicos officials are working to ensure that a recent U.S. State Department travel advisory does not affect the country’s rising visitor numbers.
Tourism in the Turks and Caicos is thriving, with visitor arrivals on track to reach record levels, said Zhavago Jolly, the country’s minister of tourism, in a statement earlier this month.
Jolly’s remarks came after the U.S. State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory on March 4. The update included warnings about carrying firearms and ammunition. In 2023, authorities arrested five American travelers for carrying ammunition in their luggage.
The advisory states that firearms and ammunition, even single bullets in carry-on bags or luggage, are illegal in the country. It also notes that police strictly enforce these laws, including at the airport when travelers are leaving.
Additionally, the advisory urges visitors to exercise increased caution due to crime. However, Jolly pointed out that the advisory has remained at Level 2 since July 2023 and does not discourage travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Jolly joined the cabinet of Turks and Caicos Premier Washington Misick in February after the general elections. He is an entrepreneur and former managing director of Turks and Caicos Islands Capital, a private investment firm. Officials from Experience Turks and Caicos, the country’s tourism marketing agency, said his expertise will help drive sustainable growth in the tourism industry.
“In the coming months, I plan to strengthen relationships with tourism stakeholders, both in the region and in key source markets,” Jolly said.
Last year, the Turks and Caicos saw a 10.7 percent increase in airline visitor arrivals, reaching 734,308 travelers. Cruise ship arrivals rose by 30.5 percent, totaling 1.23 million passengers.
The country is also welcoming new luxury resorts. The 100-room Salterra Resort & Spa recently opened in South Caicos. The Andaz Turks & Caicos, a Hyatt property, is set to open on Providenciales in late 2025. The resort will feature 118 rooms and 74 residences.
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