FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BEGINS
On Sunday December 13, 2020 the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrated another milestone towards the tourism industry’s return to normalcy which was impacted by the worldwide pandemic. British Airways, the flagship carrier in the United Kingdom has now returned to the islands after suspending flights earlier this year.
The resumption of British Airways flights, aptly timed for the start of the winter season, reconnects the Turks and Caicos Islands to Europe (which is the third largest source market for the destination) and provides ease of travel and connectivity for visitors. The United Kingdom’s Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on November 12, 2020, that the Turks and Caicos Islands was added to UK’s travel corridor list. This action meant that UK travelers will not have to quarantine upon returning home following a visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The destination’s addition to the travel corridor list represents its vigilance in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and the success of its safety protocols.
The much anticipated British Airways flight landed at the Providenciales International Airport at 4:25pm and its eighty two passengers were greeted by Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs and Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs commented, “Every day Turks and Caicos tourism is deliberately heading in the right direction. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is pleased to welcome the return of British Airways which signals the return of the transatlantic flights to our shores. The measures the destination has adopted to keep its visitors and residents safe, including the TCI Assured authorization portal, are proving to be successful.”
Director of Tourism Pamela Ewing expressed optimism for the upcoming winter season and stated, “The Tourist Board is elated to see the return of British Airways to the destination and we are hopeful that, with the additional airlift options, we will see the more persons choosing the Turks and Caicos Islands as their winter escape.”
British Airways flies into Providenciales departing from London Gatwick (LGW) via Antigua. This month the Turks and Caicos Islands also saw the return of Bahamas Air to the destination which operates flights between Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales.
The islands will soon celebrate the new Delta direct flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) beginning December 20, 2020. Southwest Airlines has yet to announce resumption dates for flights to the destination, however, are expected to resume flying in 2021.
ENDS
