With a staggering 528 percent increase in searches compared to 2023, Turks and Caicos will become the top Caribbean destination for Americans in 2025, according to the international flight comparison website Skyscanner.
While the Caicos Islands—particularly the bustling Providenciales—offer some of the world’s finest luxury resorts, upscale dining, and international shopping, Grand Turk, the island now attracting significant U.S. interest, provides you with a quieter, less-developed colonial setting and rich history.
So, why are Americans trading luxury resorts and international shopping for a more low-key destination? Everything points to a growing desire for a slower pace of life and access to uncrowded dive spots.
For instance, with its colonial architecture and friendly locals, the historic Cockburn Town offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the real Caribbean way of life, setting it apart from the polished resort scene.
In addition, Grand Turk’s clear waters, remarkable marine biodiversity, and the renowned “Wall”—a world-class diving site—make it a natural draw for adventure travelers.
Despite its limited development (we can discuss that), in recent years, the island has introduced some Chic accommodations and gourmet restaurants that offer travelers a taste of the warm local hospitality far from the impersonal feel of large resorts.
“Smaller, alternative destinations are growing in popularity with U.S. travelers. Feeling burnt out from work, Americans are seeking destinations where they can get out in nature,” a Skyscanner spokesperson told Caribjournal reporters. “Grand Turk is the perfect example, as it features the natural beauty and crystal-clear waters that Turks and Caicos is renowned for, while still being off the beaten path from the destination’s main island of Providenciales.”
Turks and Caicos has also become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with a range of new businesses now catering to cruise passengers docking on the islands.
Both cruise and air arrivals have seen significant growth in 2024, with a strong start in the first quarter.
Air arrivals showed a steady increase of up to 10.85 percent during the early months of the year, with most visitors coming from the United States and Canada. March set a new historical record with 77,559 air arrivals, representing a 15.57 percent increase over the year before.
Cruise arrivals in Turks and Caicos are also breaking records, with an average of 25-29 port calls each month throughout the year.
Visitor numbers to this Caribbean paradise are expected to remain strong for the rest of 2024, reaching a whopping 24 percent year-over-year increase, according to data from the 2024 Amadeus Destination Insights Report.
Those planning a trip to Turks and Caicos should book their accommodations well in advance, as occupancy rates are reaching up to 87 percent, which could make it challenging for you to secure your dream hotel or resort.
But that is a situation the government and the hospitality sector are addressing by opening multiple new accommodations between now and 2026, including the Andaz Turks & Caicos, which will become the island’s first-ever Hyatt property.
“We are thrilled to share that tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands is at an all-time high,” said Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, a few months ago.