by Brian Major
Last updated: 12:55 PM ET, Tue March 24, 2026
The Turks and Caicos Islands posted solid tourism numbers in
2025, according to data from Experience Turks and Caicos (ETC), the island’s
exclusive tourism authority. Total visitation reached two million visitors last
year, a two percent year-over-year increase.
The record-level tourism achieved in 2025 has been followed
by a strong start in 2026. In fact, January 2026 arrivals are up two percent
over the same period in 2025.
The Turks and Caicos Islands experienced strong performance
across key segments in 2025. From January through December 2025, total overnight,
land-based arrivals reached 640,754 with steady visitation from primary source
markets including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
December delivered a particularly strong performance as
arrivals increased seven percent year-over-year, signaling renewed upward
momentum entering the peak winter season and into 2026. The momentum is
expected to continue this year.
Meanwhile, cruise tourism continued to climb in 2025 following
an impressive 30 percent year-over-year growth in 2024. In 2025, the
destination welcomed approximately 1.3 million cruise passengers, representing
a five percent increase over 2024. The segment’s performance strengthened
further in December, which recorded 129,346 cruise passengers, a 22 percent
year-over-year increase, supported by the berthing of 11 additional ships in
Grand Turk during the month.
The Turks and Caicos’ sustained tourism activity
coincided with a significant decrease in crime across the destination,
including a 40 percent reduction in violent crime over the past year, driven by
strengthened safety protocols and enhanced police visibility, according to ETC.
This improvement reinforces the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to safety,
highlighting its reputation as a welcoming and safe Caribbean destination,
supported by consistent visitor demand and ongoing advancements in public
safety.
“We are proud to see the Turks and Caicos Islands
maintain such strong and consistent tourism performance,” said Paul Pennicook, interim
CEO consultant of ETC. “Our continued growth reflects the enduring appeal of
our islands, the strength of our partnerships and trust by valued operators,
and our commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience.”
“As we welcome new developments,” added Pennicook, “we
remain focused on thoughtful expansion that preserves the peaceful ambiance and
natural beauty that defines our destination.”
Several new and enhanced luxury accommodations are slated to
open across the territory in 2026, further elevating the destination’s
portfolio while maintaining its intimate character and low-density development approach.
The new facilities span from contemporary beachfront resorts to expansive
multi-bedroom villas, branded residences, and private oceanfront homes.
New and upcoming openings include:
Hotel Indigo Turks & Caicos: Now open as of March 1,
2026, Hotel Indigo is a 56-room resort just steps from Grace Bay Beach, set
within a blend of newly constructed and fully renovated structures. It offers
an infinity pool, restaurant, café, outdoor cinema, and curated off-property
experiences such as snorkeling excursions.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Treasure Beach Village: This
$150 million expansion debuted on March 1, 2026 as Beaches Turks & Caicos’
sixth village with 101 multi-bedroom suites and villas ranging from two to four
bedrooms, including concierge and butler suite options, as well as the
three-story Treasure Beach CrystalSky Reserve Villas accommodating up to 10
guests with private pools and rooftop decks.
Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay: Opening this
spring as the destination’s first Hyatt-branded property, the resort will
include 59 hotel keys and 74 residences along Grace Bay Beach.
The Point: This new residential development, which will open
in late 2026 by Grace Bay Resorts, comprises a collection of oceanfront homes
designed to complement the brand’s existing portfolio.
In addition to expanding the range of accommodations
available to travelers, these new properties will introduce innovative
restaurants, enhanced wellness offerings and curated experiences.
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