The Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism sector is continuing its strong momentum, recording a record number of visitor arrivals during the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking during the destination update at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua and Barbuda on May 13, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Wesley Clerveaux revealed that the islands welcomed 203,587 stayover visitors between January and March, a five per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

“This growth reflects strong consumer confidence in our destination and continued demand from our core source markets,” Clerveaux said.

“Our safety, exclusivity, service and the natural beauty of our islands continue to resonate strongly with travellers seeking meaningful and premium Caribbean experiences,” he added.

The United States remained the territory’s largest source market, accounting for 84 per cent of visitors, while Canada represented 11 per cent of arrivals.

Tourism officials said the increase was supported by expanded marketing efforts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Latin America, along with new partnerships with British Airways and Air Canada.

The destination has also been investing in training travel advisors to better market and sell the Turks and Caicos Islands to potential visitors.

While stayover arrivals increased, the territory recorded a decline in cruise passenger arrivals during the same period.Clerveaux said 344,287 cruise passengers visited the islands in the first quarter, representing a 16 per cent decrease year-on-year.

Despite the decline, he said the government remains committed to ensuring the cruise sector continues to provide value for Grand Turk and local stakeholders.

Meanwhile, tourism officials also highlighted continued investor confidence in the destination, with several major hotel developments either opening or in the pipeline.

The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 with just over 4,000 hotel rooms, with an additional 177 rooms added during the first quarter.

Beaches Resort officially opened its new Treasure Beach Village in March, adding 100 rooms to the destination’s room stock.

Other recent additions include Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos and Ellipse Grace Bay.

Several internationally recognised brands are also expected to enter the market soon, including Andaz Turks & Caicos, St. Regis Turks & Caicos, InterContinental Turks & Caicos and Kimpton Turks & Caicos.

In addition, officials announced plans for the first luxury resort in North Caicos under the Anantara Resorts brand, which is scheduled to open in 2029.