AGP Executive Report

Marine Conservation: A new report warns that about half of the Caribbean reefs with the best chance to keep protecting coastlines as oceans warm are still left unprotected from human pressures like pollution and development. Tourism Governance: The Turks and Caicos Islands Parliament has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, shifting destination management toward a statutory authority for marketing, planning, and visitor experience. Political Accountability: Former Tourism Minister Josephine Connolly criticized the new Tourism Authority Bill, alleging the former Tourist Board wasn’t audited for years and calling for transparency before lawmakers approve another structure. Airlift & Visitor Demand: BermudAir announced winter expansion with direct Toronto–Providenciales service (Dec 19–May 1, Saturdays) continuing to Anguilla, plus broader U.S./Canada route growth and record customer satisfaction. Reef Tourism Giving Back: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program shows hotels can raise near $30,000 in Q1 2026 via small guest contributions for coral restoration, monitoring, and reef protection. Blue Belt Momentum: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, joining TCI and other Caribbean territories to expand marine protection and fisheries management. Border Safety: U.S. Coast Guard and partners interdicted a vessel carrying 240 migrants about 15 miles south of the Turks and Caicos, citing overcrowding and serious danger at sea.

Airlift Boost for TCI Tourism: BermudAir is launching new winter nonstop service from Toronto Pearson to Providenciales on Saturdays (Dec. 19–May 1, 2027), with a same-day connection onward to Anguilla, adding another premium option for Canadian visitors. Airline Expansion Watch: BermudAir also rolled out broader Caribbean growth plans across the US and Canada, including added routes to Turks & Caicos and record customer satisfaction (NPS 78.92 in May). Governance & Tourism Oversight: The Turks and Caicos Parliament passed the Tourism Authority Bill, replacing the old tourism board model with a statutory authority aimed at destination marketing, planning, and visitor experience management. Public Accountability Debate: Former tourism minister Josephine Connolly criticized the bill, arguing for audits and more transparency around former Tourist Board finances. Marine Conservation Link: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program continues to grow, with hotel partners collecting optional guest contributions that fund coral restoration, reef protection moorings, and education. Migration Safety at Sea: The US Coast Guard, CBP, and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force interdicted an overcrowded vessel carrying 240 people south of the islands, citing the extreme hazards of unlawful maritime travel.

Tourism Governance: Turks and Caicos has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, replacing the old tourism board approach with a statutory authority meant to run destination marketing, visitor experience, research, and long-term planning. Accountability Push: Former Tourism Minister Josephine Connolly blasted the bill in the House, arguing it’s “Tourist Board Mark 2” and calling for audits and transparency around former Tourist Board finances. Data-Driven Statebuilding: The territory also launched a Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority to strengthen credible, timely national data for policy, investment, and resilience. Airlift & Growth: BermudAir announced winter expansion with new/expanded routes that include Turks and Caicos—adding service from multiple North American gateways and boosting multi-island connectivity. Marine Conservation: The Reef Keeper program continues to fund local reef restoration and monitoring via optional guest contributions at participating resorts. Regional Context: Coast Guard and RTCIPF units interdicted a vessel carrying 240 migrants south of the Turks and Caicos, highlighting ongoing maritime safety and enforcement.

Tourism Governance: Turks and Caicos has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, setting up a new statutory Tourism Authority to steer destination marketing, visitor experience, research, and long-term planning—an overhaul meant to modernize the current tourism board model. Accountability Push: Former Tourism Minister Josephine Connolly blasted the bill in the House, arguing it’s “Tourist Board Mark 2” and calling for transparency, including overdue audits of the former Tourist Board’s finances. Data-Driven State: The TCI launched a Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority to strengthen credible, timely national data for planning and policy. Airlift & Growth: BermudAir announced multiple winter expansions tied to Turks and Caicos, including new nonstop service from Boston and weekly/seasonal routes across the US and Canada, plus record customer satisfaction. Marine Conservation: The Reef Keeper program continues to fund local reef restoration and protection via optional hotel guest contributions. Energy Transition: Gaia Environmental signed a MoU with Blue Planet Alliance to support renewable energy and resilience for island communities. Border & Safety: Coast Guard and TCI authorities interdicted a vessel carrying 240 migrants about 15 miles south of the islands, citing dangerous overcrowding and water intake.

Tourism Governance: Turks and Caicos passed the Tourism Authority Bill, setting up a dedicated authority to steer destination marketing, visitor experience, research, and long-term planning. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir announced major winter expansion—new nonstop service to Turks and Caicos from Toronto and Boston (plus more U.S. gateways), and added routes including Belize and Guatemala City—while reporting record customer satisfaction. Cruise Industry: Carnival rolled out its upgraded and renamed Bahamas private island, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, adding a pier, trams, eateries, and expanded shore offerings as it pushes its Paradise Collection. Marine Conservation: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is growing, with partners raising nearly $30,000 in Q1 via optional guest contributions for coral restoration and reef protection. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, and RTCIPF interdicted a vessel carrying 240 people 15 miles south of the islands, citing dangerous conditions and swift joint response. Policy & Online Travel: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional pushback against Booking.com over commissions applied to government accommodation taxes and fees. Energy Transition: Gaia Environmental signed an MoU with Blue Planet Alliance to support renewable energy and island resilience amid ongoing fuel-cost pressure.

Tourism Governance: Turks and Caicos has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, creating a dedicated authority to steer destination marketing, tourism development, visitor experience, research, and long-term planning. Air Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new routes to Turks and Caicos from Toronto and Boston, plus broader Caribbean growth that boosts year-round access for leisure travelers. Industry Pushback: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is urging Booking.com to drop commissions on government accommodation taxes and statutory fees, saying hotels only collect and remit those funds. Sustainable Tourism: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is showing momentum, with partners raising conservation dollars via small optional guest contributions that support reef restoration and protection. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard, CBP, and RTCIPF interdicted a vessel carrying 240 people near the Turks and Caicos, citing the dangers of overcrowded, unseaworthy voyages. Energy & Resilience: Gaia Environmental signed an MoU with Blue Planet Alliance to support the islands’ clean energy transition amid pressure from imported fuel costs. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing tourism ministers and leaders to coordinate strategy as competition and traveler preferences shift.

Tourism Governance: Turks and Caicos has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, creating a dedicated authority to steer destination marketing, visitor experience, research, and long-term planning. Airlift & Growth: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new nonstop routes to Turks and Caicos from Toronto (plus continuing links to Anguilla) and added winter flying from multiple U.S. gateways, including Boston. Cruise Demand: Carnival’s upgraded Half Moon Cay private island is now branded RelaxAway, with a new pier, trams, eateries, and expanded guest amenities—another signal of bigger-ship focus in the region. Sustainable Tourism: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is growing, with resorts raising conservation contributions that support reef restoration, monitoring, and protection. Industry Pressure: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is pushing back against Booking.com charging commissions on government accommodation taxes and fees. Energy Partnership: Gaia Environmental signed an MoU with Blue Planet Alliance to support the islands’ clean-energy transition amid high fuel costs. Border & Safety: Coast Guard and local authorities interdicted a vessel carrying 240 migrants near Turks and Caicos, highlighting ongoing maritime risks.

Tourism Governance: The Turks and Caicos Islands Parliament has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, creating a dedicated Tourism Authority to steer destination marketing, development, visitor experience and long-term planning. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding winter service with new routes to Turks and Caicos from Boston (weekly Saturdays starting Dec. 19), plus additional nonstop and connecting options across the region; the airline also announced record customer satisfaction (NPS 78.92). Industry Pushback: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional concerns over Booking.com charging commissions on government accommodation taxes and statutory fees—arguing hotels are only collecting and remitting those funds. Marine Conservation via Tourism: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is growing, with participating resorts raising nearly $30,000 in Q1 2026 through optional guest contributions supporting coral restoration, monitoring and reef protection. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard, CBP and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force interdicted a vessel carrying 240 people about 15 miles south of the islands, citing dangerous overcrowding and water intake. Regional Trade Links: CLX Logistics launched new direct shipping routes connecting The Bahamas with the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and Miami, aiming to cut costs and transit times for local businesses.

Aviation & Tourism Growth: BermudAir is ramping up winter connectivity with new and expanded routes into Turks and Caicos, including weekly Boston service starting Dec. 19 and added links from Toronto, BWI, and other US gateways—part of a broader premium leisure push beyond Bermuda. Destination Governance: Turks and Caicos passed the Tourism Authority Bill, setting up a new framework for destination marketing, tourism development, visitor experience, and long-term planning. Data-Driven Policy: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority launched this week, aiming to strengthen evidence-based governance with credible, transparent national data. Marine Conservation: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is growing, with resort partners raising nearly $30,000 in Q1 2026 to support reef restoration, monitoring, and protection. Shipping & Supply Chains: CLX Logistics launched direct cargo routes linking Nassau with Providenciales and the Dominican Republic via Antillean, aiming to cut costs and reduce routing delays. Border & Maritime Safety: Coast Guard, CBP, and RTCIPF interdicted a vessel carrying 240 migrants near the Turks and Caicos after reports of an overloaded, taking-on-water journey. Industry Pushback: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional partners urging Booking.com to reconsider commissions on accommodation taxes and statutory fees.

Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir keeps expanding its winter Caribbean network, adding new Turks and Caicos services from multiple U.S./Canada gateways (including Toronto–TCI–Anguilla via weekly schedules) and reporting record customer satisfaction with a May 2026 Net Promoter Score of 78.92. Destination Governance: Turks and Caicos passed the Tourism Authority Bill, shifting toward a dedicated authority for destination marketing, development, visitor experience and long-term planning. Data-Driven Public Service: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority launched to strengthen credible, transparent national data for planning and resilience. Tourism Industry Pressure: The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional pushback against Booking.com over commissions applied to accommodation taxes and statutory fees. Marine Conservation: The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program is growing, with partners raising nearly $30,000 in Q1 2026 to support coral restoration, biobanks and reef protection. Cruise Demand Signals: Carnival’s upgraded and renamed Half Moon Cay private island (RelaxAway) adds a pier, trams, eateries and more complimentary beach amenities—another sign cruise lines are investing heavily in shore experiences. Community Safety: TCI agriculture enforcement continues on stray and aggressive dogs, including fines for owners after a fatal Taylor Bay Beach attack and broader trapping efforts.

Aviation & Tourism Access: BermudAir ramps up winter connectivity with new nonstop service to Turks and Caicos from Toronto (weekly Saturdays, Dec. 19–May 1) plus added routes from Boston and other U.S. gateways, while also expanding/adjusting service to Anguilla and Bermuda. Destination Governance: Turks and Caicos has passed the Tourism Authority Bill, creating a dedicated authority to steer destination marketing, development, visitor experience, and long-term planning. Data-Driven Public Policy: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority is now officially launched to strengthen credible, transparent national data for planning and resilience. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism ministers and leaders together June 1–5 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Turks and Caicos among the delegations. Marine Conservation via Hospitality: The Reef Keeper program is expanding, with partner resorts collecting guest contributions that fund coral restoration, monitoring, and reef protection projects. Local Business Costs: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joins regional pushback against Booking.com over commissions applied to government accommodation taxes and fees. Community Safety: The Department of Agriculture continues dog control enforcement, including citations after a fatal Taylor Bay Beach attack and a broader dog trapping initiative. Sports Viewing: Rush Sports promises an expanded World Cup viewing experience across 13 Caribbean markets, including full match coverage in Turks and Caicos.

Airlift Expansion: BermudAir is ramping up winter connectivity with new nonstop service to Turks and Caicos from Toronto (weekly Saturdays, Dec. 19–May 1) plus added routes from Boston and other U.S. gateways, with flights also continuing onward to Anguilla in the season. Aviation Network Moves: The airline also announced changes tied to BWI, including twice-weekly Anguilla service and weekly Turks and Caicos flights, as it grows its “island network” across the region. Tourism Policy & Costs: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is pushing back on Booking.com’s plan to charge commissions on government accommodation taxes and statutory fees—arguing hotels only collect and remit those amounts. Governance & Data: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority was launched to strengthen evidence-based planning, accountability, and transparent national decision-making. Marine Conservation: The Reef Keeper program is showing momentum, with partner resorts raising nearly $30,000 in Q1 2026 to fund coral restoration, monitoring, and reef protection. Public Safety (Pets): Authorities issued fines after a fatal dog attack at Taylor Bay Beach and also began a dog trapping initiative to reduce roaming and bite incidents. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing Turks and Caicos tourism leaders and ministers together to coordinate market strategy and resilience.

Air Connectivity: BermudAir is beefing up winter service with new direct routes to Turks and Caicos from Boston (weekly Saturdays starting Dec. 19 through May 1, 2027) plus broader Caribbean network growth tied to multiple U.S. gateways. Tourism Conservation: The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund’s Reef Keeper program says partner resorts raised nearly $30,000 in Q1 2026 via optional guest contributions, funding coral restoration, reef protection moorings, and education. Data & Governance: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority launched in Providenciales, aiming for more accurate, timely, credible, and transparent national data to support planning and resilience. Shipping & Trade: CLX Logistics, via Antillean, launched direct cargo links connecting Nassau with the Dominican Republic and a direct freight connection to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos—aimed at lowering costs and cutting routing delays. Hotel Tax Fight: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional pushback against Booking.com over commissions applied to government accommodation taxes and fees. Public Safety (Dogs): Agriculture enforcement moved after a fatal Taylor Bay Beach dog attack, fining owners $1,500 each, and the department is also running a broader dog trapping initiative to reduce roaming and bites.

Airlift Boost: BermudAir is adding winter nonstop service from Boston to Turks and Caicos (weekly Saturdays starting Dec. 19 through May 1, 2027) and expanding its wider Caribbean network, with additional direct routes to Belize and Guatemala City. Tourism Policy Fight: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is pushing back on Booking.com after the platform moved to charge commissions on government accommodation taxes and statutory fees—arguing hotels only collect and remit those funds. Data-Driven Governance: The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority has been launched to strengthen evidence-based planning with accurate, timely, credible national data. Shipping & Costs: CLX Logistics, via a new partnership with Antillean, has opened direct cargo links between Nassau and the Dominican Republic and added a direct freight connection to Providenciales, aiming to reduce import costs and delays. Public Safety (Dogs): The Department of Agriculture has issued fines after a fatal dog attack at Taylor Bay Beach and has also started a dog trapping initiative to curb roaming and bites. New Tourism Spotlight: South Caicos’ Salterra resort has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List, putting the island’s nature and marine culture in the global spotlight.

TCI Governance & Data: The Turks and Caicos Islands launched a new Statistics Authority in Providenciales, aiming for accurate, timely, credible data to strengthen planning, policy, investment and national resilience. Digital Resilience: Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders will represent TCI at an ECLAC high-level dialogue in Belize on digital resilience and data sovereignty. Shipping & Trade Costs: CLX Logistics opened new direct cargo routes linking The Bahamas with the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and Miami via Antillean, designed to cut costs and reduce supply-chain delays. Tourism Industry Pressure: The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association joined regional pushback against Booking.com over commissions applied to government accommodation taxes and statutory fees. Local Safety & Pets: The Department of Agriculture began dog trapping to reduce stray and aggressive-dog risks, and authorities also fined Chalk Sound owners after a fatal Taylor Bay Beach dog attack. Tourism Spotlight: South Caicos’ Salterra earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List, boosting attention on the island’s nature and marine tourism. Caribbean Tourism Week (Regional): Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with ministers and industry leaders, including TCI representation, focused on connectivity and resilience.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with a record turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, including Turks and Caicos representation, as leaders focus on resilience, connectivity, and a unified regional pitch. Resort Rebuild Watch: Sandals is accelerating a $200m “Sandals 2.0” rebuild of three Jamaica resorts after Hurricane Melissa, with phased reopenings now set for November and December. Local Digital Resilience: TCI’s E. Jay Saunders will represent the islands at an ECLAC UN dialogue in Belize on digital resilience and data sovereignty, aimed at keeping critical government services running during disasters and cyberattacks. Shipping Costs Down: CLX Logistics launched new direct cargo routes linking The Bahamas with the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and Miami via Antillean—designed to cut costs and transit times for regional businesses. Tourism Policy Tension: Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association is urging Booking.com to reconsider commissions on government accommodation taxes and statutory fees, calling it an unfair burden on hotels. Beef Trade Signal: US beef exports to the Caribbean hit record value in March 2026, with Turks and Caicos posting record first-quarter volume growth. Animal Safety Enforcement: Authorities fined Chalk Sound dog owners after a fatal Taylor Bay Beach attack, reinforcing leash and roaming rules.