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Turks and Caicos Tourist Board Hosts 16th Annual TACC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For its 16th installment of the Turks and Caicos Conference (TACC), the Turks & Caicos
Tourist Board transitioned its signature annual event to a virtual format which was held on
October 15, 2020. The conference was attended by eighty (80) of the Turks and Caicos’ top
industry partners including wholesalers, airline representatives and hoteliers. During the event
the attendees were addressed by the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Sharlene
Cartwright-Robinson, Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Adelphine Pitter, Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing and President of the TCHTA Todd Foss.
The keynote address was delivered by Nikheel Advani, COO of Grace Bay Resorts.

The Turks and Caicos Conference is typically a three day conference which sees major
industry representatives assemble in the islands to receive updates on the destination,
network and conduct meetings.

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson commended the attendees for their commitment
to the destination and the collective efforts to ensure that Turks and Caicos continues to climb
as a sought-after destination on the global stage. She further stated, “My government remains
optimistic in this fight against this pandemic. We have witnessed a downward trend in COVID19
cases here in Turks and Caicos and we are cautiously optimistic that we will have a
reasonable winter season starting traditionally after Thanksgiving.”

In his remarks, Hon. Ralph Higgs highlighted the importance of partnerships and commented,
“While so much has changed since 2019, one of the things that should not change is the
relationship, co-operation and support that our destination has forged with you, our partners.
Over the years our relationship has resulted in us achieving the highest arrivals that we’ve
ever seen, the greatest ADR in the region, and many of you have experienced some of your
greatest return on efforts in Turks and Caicos. This relationship forged over the years has also
seen us named as the world’s best destination a few years ago. While COVID-19 is
challenging for us in the region, and indeed the world, I believe if we continue to work together
as partners we will survive this downturn and we will return to the pre-pandemic glory days.”

Chairman of the Tourist Board Adelphine Pitter welcomed the participants and stated,
“Unfortunately, this pandemic came as we braced for another record breaking year for arrivals
and upset our plans to welcome over one million visitors to our shores, as we had in 2019.
Our response called for a new approach and marketing strategy which coincided with the
appointment of a new Director of Tourism, who is no stranger to our TACC attendees.
Cognizant of the fact that Turks and Caicos Islands competes with destinations all over the
world for travel dollars, including our Caribbean neighbors (who also promote their sun, sand
and sea); it was therefore critical that we highlight our competitive advantages once borders
throughout the region and the world reopened.”

The event provided an opportunity for travel partners to receive an update from the Turks and
Caicos Tourist Board. Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing’s presentation gave an overview of
the marketing efforts to promote and position the Turks and Caicos Islands as the premier
vacation destination in the Caribbean.

Todd Foss expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for its partnership with the Turks and
Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that
the destination re-opened safely. In his keynote address Nikheel Advani lauded the Turks and
Caicos Islands Government for its resolve in managing the current pandemic effectively.
Advani assured the partners of the efficiency of the travel authorization process and protocols
required for entry.

The international attendees were treated to presentations by Beaches Resort, Seven Stars
Resort, Ocean Club Resorts, Turks & Caicos Collection, East Bay Resort, Ritz Carlton, The
Hartling Group and Grace Bay Resorts informing them of new protocols and safety measures
implemented to protect guests and staff.

The wholesaler segment provided hoteliers with industry updates and included presentations
from Air Canada, American Airlines, Classic Vacations and Apple Leisure Group.

The Turks and Caicos Conference 2020 was touted as tremendous success. The Tourist
Board registered its commitment to its mandate to promote the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ islands as
well as to continue to build and strengthen strategic industry partnerships.

END

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