2019 TOURISM STATISTICS REPORT

TurksandCaicosTourism.com

1 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

2019 Highlights 4

Visitor Arrivals Historical Arrival Totals 5

Visitors by Month 2019 6

Land Based Arrivals by Country of Origin 7

Land Based Arrivals by Country of Origin 2019 vs 2018 9

Land Based Arrivals 2019 Major Markets 10

Cruise Statistics 11

Cruise Arrivals by Nationality 14

Accommodation Statistics 15

Vacation Rental Statistics 16

Focus and Nurture of Sister Islands 17

Outlook for 2019 18

Research Methodology 19

2 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed a total of 1,598,557 Visitor Arrivals for 2019. A 9 percent increase of arrivals overall to our shores when compared to the previous year’s record breaking figures. These arrivals compose of 486,739 Stopover and 1,111,818 Cruise. The Caribbean Tourism Organization describes the growth seen this year in the Caribbean tourism industry as the result of strong demand from the main sources coupled with increased airlift capacity, more diverse accommodation facilities and the sustained recovery following hurricane season 2017.

The destination recorded an impressive 10 percent increase in arrivals through our international airport and fixed based operations. The Grand Turk Cruise Center greeted a 9 percent increase in cruise passengers’ year-over-year. Similarly, for a consecutive year the Cruise Center also welcomed more ships, hosting 354 compared to 320 ship calls in 2018; this marked an 11 percent increase in ship calls year-over-year.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, has also seen increases in arrivals from its major source markets. The American market maintained its dominant share of total arrivals, accounting for 82% of the destination’s land based arrivals; The United States outbound travel market continued to grow steadily despite concerns about the US economy. Canada followed by Europe account for 9 and 4 percent of stopover arrival shares respectively.

The craving for new and authentic experiences remains the main driver for demand and spending on leisure travel worldwide, according to the CTO. The Turks and Caicos Islands must continue to put forth new and innovative marketing initiatives which will contribute significantly to sustained growth in the midst of the many threats in the global environment that we are seeing at this time.

This year-end report, prepared by the Statistical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, presents the industry’s data along with commentary to broaden the industry’s understanding of our collective progress over the past year

3 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Highlights 2019

Comparing 2018 and 2019

Land Based Arrivals Cruise Passenger TOTAL VISITOR Arrivals ARRIVALS

Land Based Arrivals from Major Markets United States 9% Canada 20% Number of Cruise Vessels Europe 20%

4 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Historical Arrival Totals

Total Visitor Arrivals 2011 - 2019 1111818 1200000 1021741 971838 929737 1000000 846963 778920 827409 800000 655497 676647 486739 600000 448960 416434 441344 354223 357722 386052 400000 291723 290577

200000 Number Number of Arrivals 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Year

Land-Based Cruise

Total Visitor Arrivals 2011 - 2019 1800000 1600000 1400000 1200000 1111818 1000000 1021741 800000 971838 929737 846963 827409 655497 778920 600000 676647 400000

Number Number of Arrivals 448960 441344 486739 200000 354223 291723 290577 357722 386052 416434 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Year

Land-Based Cruise

CHART 1, 2 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

5 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Historical Arrival Totals; Air Arrivals by Month

60000 Air Arrivals by Month

50000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2013 24353 24771 31877 28780 23413 25844 28562 25203 11443 15712 21881 28738 2014 31155 32962 41389 34212 28779 30850 34206 30175 14376 18385 26904 34329 2015 38377 35912 41690 37633 29650 32258 35525 33358 15078 19625 27319 39627 2016 44567 41981 50913 49933 33495 33333 43421 34992 19202 24582 29955 42586 2017 44888 43597 48354 50206 33946 34606 37497 36244 2346 22579 23221 38950 2018 31737 41160 50128 43632 38090 42012 45206 34622 15768 21854 33736 43399 2019 42949 41704 56138 45045 42019 45781 47103 36220 13442 24182 40996 51160

CHART 3 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

6 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Visitors by Month 2019

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Land Based 42949 41704 56138 45045 42019 45781 47103 36220 13442 24182 40996 51160 Arrivals Cruise Arrivals 89527 96991 90762 85205 83155 86533 103118 92389 81292 81559 103460 117827 Total 132476 138695 146900 130250 125174 132314 150221 128609 94734 105741 144456 168987

CHART 4 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

2019 has been another impressive year for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as Total Visitor Arrivals has seen an increase of 9%. Cruise arrivals account for the majority of the destination’s visitor population. The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board continues to explore ways in which cruise arrivals can be converted to stayovers therefore creating a better balance.

Distribution of 2019 Visitor OVERALL ARRIVALS BY MONTH

Arrivals 168987

150221

146900

144456

138695

132476

132314

130250 128609 125174 486,739 105741 30% 94734

1,111,818 70%

Land Base Arrivals Cruise Arrivals

CHART 5 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards CHART 6 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

7 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Land Based Arrivals by Country of Origin

Month United Canada Europe Caribbean South Asia Rest of the Not States America World Stated January 33924 5283 1792 384 1270 83 180 33 February 33017 5962 1370 363 703 107 157 25 March 46382 6846 1612 468 557 110 135 28 April 37155 3820 2375 504 787 103 254 47 May 36474 2421 1429 370 933 120 203 69 June 41120 1967 1100 496 773 126 154 45 July 40302 1863 2281 820 1333 175 317 12 August 28433 2175 3264 986 754 191 375 42 September 9672 1514 664 701 471 111 248 61 October 18666 2547 1351 685 511 233 181 8 November 32219 4638 2226 669 589 293 255 107 December 40183 6089 2433 902 611 382 493 67 Totals 397547 45125 21897 7348 9292 2034 2952 544

CHART 7 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

Air Visitor Country of Origin 2019 Air visitors from the United States grew by 9% year-

United States over-year and accounted for 82% of the total. Canada 9% 4% 0% Canadian visitors increased in 2019 yet continues to Europe 2% account for 9% when compared to the previous Caribbean 2% 1% year. Europe accounts for 4% of the total South America 82% Asia respectively. 0% Rest of the World 1% Not Stated

CHART 8 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

8 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Land Based Arrivals by Country of Origin 2019 vs 2018

Performance in Major Markets 2019 vs 2018

9292 South America 7180

7348 Caribbean 10395

21897 Europe 18247

Country Origin of 45125 Canada 37708

397547 United States 363472

0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000 450000 Number of Arrivals

2019 2018

CHART 9 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

The top markets for visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands are the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, other European Countries, Brazil, the Caribbean and all other countries to follow.

9 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Land Based Arrivals 2019 Major Markets

United States Arrivals United States Arrivals Arrivals from the leading Canada Arrivals 50000 Canada Arrivals 420000 397547 source market to the 45125 400000 destination totaled 45000 Arrivals from Canada 40000 37708 380000 363472 397,547 visitors. When saw an overall increase

360000 35000 of 20% AIR ARRIVALS AIR AIR ARRIVALS AIR 340000 compared to 2018, 30000 2018 2019 visitor arrivals from the 2019 2018 YEAR USA showed a 9% YEAR increase. CHART 10 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards CHART 11 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

Europe Arrivals Europe Arrivals Caribbean Arrivals Arrivals from the 30000 15000 21897 European market for 10395 Caribbean Arrivals 18247 10000 7348 20000 destination TCI saw a Arrivals from the 5000

10000 20% increase. With the Caribbean decreased by AIR ARRIVALS AIR 0 ARRIVALS AIR 0 29% highest share coming 2019 2018 2019 2018 out of the UK, France YEAR YEAR and Italy respectively.

CHART 13 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards CHART 12 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

South America Arrivals 9292 10000 7180 South America Arrivals Arrivals from the South American Market 5000 predominately Brazil, Argentina indicated an AIR ARRIVALS AIR 0 increase of 29% in arrivals. 2019 2018 YEAR

CHART 14 Source: Air Stats: Immigration E/D Cards

10 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Cruise Visitor Statistics

NUMBER OF CRUISE SHIPS AND PAX FOR 2019 2019 Total Pax January 31 89,527 February 34 96,991 March 27 90,762 QTR 1 TOTAL 92 277,280 April 26 85,205 May 25 83,155 June 24 86,533 QTR 2 TOTAL 75 254,893 July 28 103,118 August 25 92,389 September 25 81,292 QTR 3 TOTAL 78 276,799 October 26 81,559 November 39 103,460 December 44 117,827 QTR 4 TOTAL 109 302,846 GRAND TOTAL 354 1,111,818

CHART 15 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

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Number of Cruise Ships For 2019 by Month 50 44 45 39 40 34 35 31 28 30 27 26 26 25 24 25 25 25 20

15 # of Cruise ShipsCruise#of 10 5 0 January February March April May June July August September October November December MONTH

CHART 16 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

Number of Cruise Ship Passengers For 2019 by Month 140,000 117,827 120,000 103,118 103,460 96,991 92,389 100,000 89,527 90,762 86,533 85,205 83,155 81,292 81,559 80,000

60,000 # OF #PAX OF 40,000

20,000

0

MONTH

CHART 17 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

12 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Total Number of Cruise Ships per Year 400 354 340 350 317 320

300 284 270 261 258 262 245 250 215

200 185 182 NUMBER 150 136

100

50

0 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 YEAR

CHART 18 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

13 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Cruise Arrivals 2006 - 2019

1111818 1021741

827409

846963

929737

971838 778920 1 676647

657497

617863

513928 386942

379936

294617

0 200000 400000 600000 800000 1000000 1200000 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

CHART 19 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

14 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Cruise Visitors by Nationality

PASSENGERS BY NATIONALITY FOR 2019

951,567, 86%

USA 53,710, 5% Canada United Kindom 37,440, 3% Brazil 10,2051,273, ,0% 1% Caribbean 395, 0% Guyana 50,165, 4% 7,063, 1% South America Rest of the World

CHART 20 Source: Cruise Stats: Grand Turk Cruise Center

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Accommodation Statistics

Properties By Island - 2019 Hotels Condo Hotels Villas Other Providenciales 12 26 129 9 Grand Turk 3 0 3 0 South Caicos 2 0 0 0 North Caicos 2 0 23 1 Middle Caicos 0 0 1 0

Parrot Cay 0 0 6 0 The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist TOTAL 19 26 162 10 Board currently keeps record of all CHART 21 registered properties and their Source: Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board associated room counts, for units compromising of four bed or more Registered Properties Room Count 2019 across the islands.

Parrot Cay 133 The Board seeks to put into place a

Middle Caicos 10 vacation rental registry that would be able to capture all available North Caicos 90 accommodations across the Turks and

Island South Caicos 89 Caicos Islands.

Grand Turk 79

Providenciales 3607

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 Number of Rooms

CHART 22 Source: Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board

16 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Vacation Rental Statistics

1737 Total Active Rental Listings at Rental Growth 2017 - 2019 December 31st 2019 2000 1800 1737 1646 1600 1589 1611 1569 Shared Room 0 1400 1394 1443 1444 1275 1334 1200 1270 1000 800 Private Room 73 600 668

400 RentalType 200 Entire Home

1664 0 NUMBER LISTINGS ACTIVE OF NUMBER Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 0 500 1000 1500 2000 QUARTER PER YEAR Number of Rentals 2017 2018 2019

CHART 23 Source: AirDNA CHART 24 Source: AirDNA

As of December 31st 2019, 1569 Active Rentals throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands has been listed on the Airbnb and HomeAway Rental Channels. These listings increased by 11% when compared with 2018 and are composed of entire homes, private rooms and shared room rental types.

17 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Focus and Nurture of Sister Islands

The promotion of the Sister Islands is the top priority of the Tourist Board. Promotional and marketing materials such as maps, brochures, the website and social media pages are continuously updated in both print and digital formats to ensure up-to-date information of the Sister Islands is easily accessible. The traditional methods of marketing such as advertising in print media and attending various tradeshows in the US, Canada, Europe and Latin America are still being utilized to promote the Sister Islands as they have continually proven to be effective.

Furthermore, several strategies are being used to market and promote the Sister Islands, such as promoting culture and heritage tourism. The Turks and Caicos has a rich culture which includes delectable local delicacies, handmade crafts and many historical sites such as the Conch Bar Caves, the Cheshire Hall Plantation and the Grand Turk Lighthouse among others that are being advertised and used to attract tourists on a global scale.

The concept of dual vacations is also being heavily promoted. The Turks and Caicos offers our visitors a destination within a destination, each island has a unique identity and subculture. The islands are also easily accessible by short ferry rides and flights which makes it ideal for ‘island hopping’. A strong emphasis is now being place on splitting your trip and having day trips to islands such as North and Middle Caicos if you’re staying in Providenciales or splitting the nights across 2-3 different islands to get the true ‘Turks and Caicos Experience’. - Jennifer Pardo Senior Marketing Executive Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board

18 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Outlook 2019

The Turk & Caicos Tourist Board has continually promoted the Turks & Caicos as the number one tourism destination for both land based and cruise visitors in the Caribbean. The destination has won several accolades such as the World Travel Awards for Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and Caribbean’s Most Romantic and the Porthole Magazine’s Cruise Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Caribbean Beach Port. There recent awards are a testament to the destination’s continued success in the market.

The Turks and Caicos Islands recently also saw the commencement of several new developments and flight additions in 2019 from cities such as Chicago. This will continue to make way for increases in both visitor arrivals and the room inventory in the destination.

The Turks and Caicos has also renewed its commitment to promote sustainable tourism to ensure that the islands remain “Beautiful by Nature” for future generations. The Board has partnered with the Office of the Premier to promote the ban on plastic and polystyrene to both visitors and local stakeholders. This has taken the form of video and radio PSAs, local billboard advertising and dissemination of free reusable shopping bags. Moreover, the Board has remained committed to educating industry stakeholders on the importance of sustainability by launching its first Sustainable Tourism Symposium in November 2019 with similar sustainable tourism workshops to follow.

Lastly, the Tourist Board’s resolve to work hand in hand with our stakeholders to promote the destination has not wavered. There has been multiple partnerships for various press trips and tradeshows. This allows for the creation of a unified message and the reduction of cost while maximizing the output and exposure.

Jennifer Pardo Senior Marketing Executive Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board

19 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End

Research Methodology

The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board relies on data from many stakeholders to compile this report. Our primary source of data for this report is the Embarkation/Disembarkation card that all visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands fill out upon arrival. This form is collected in cooperation with the Ministry of Border Control and Labour; Immigration Department. Air visitor data card counts are reconciled against daily counts by Immigration and TCI Airport Authority to ensure accuracy.

A list of additional data sources for this report are listed below:

1. Ministry of Border Control and Labour - Immigration Dept. – ED Cards and Border Management System data 2. Turks and Caicos Tourist Board - Quality Assurance Dept. - Accommodation inventory (properties and rooms) Marketing Dept. – Sister Islands Focus / Outlook 2020 3. Grand Turk Cruise Center – Cruise Statistics 4. Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority – Air Statistics (load factors) 5. Provo Air Center, Blue Heron Aviation, South Side Marina, Walkin Marina, Turtle Cove Marina, Blue Haven Marina and Caicos Marina – – Private Flight /Vessel Arrivals. 6. Caribbean Cruisin – Ferry Tourist Count 7. Turks and Caicos Islands Government; Department of Statistics – Departing Visitors Survey. 8. Airbnb – Vacation Rental Statistics. 9. Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board extends many thanks to all partners and stakeholders that provide data for this and other reports.

Any queries/comments can be directed to: Sharissa Lightbourne, Statistical Officer, [email protected].

20 Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism 2019 Year End