Minister of Tourism, Hon Zhavargo Jolly
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 10th, 2026) — The Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism strategy continues to gain regional relevance as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) advances new initiatives focused on strengthening tourism supply chains, increasing local economic participation, and ensuring greater community benefit from tourism growth.
The alignment was underscored during Caribbean Week in New York, where regional tourism leaders convened for the launch of the CTO’s Tourism Supply Side Initiative, a coordinated effort designed to deepen linkages between tourism and agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, services, and small business development.
The initiative reflects a growing regional recognition that tourism success should not be measured solely by visitor arrivals, but also by how effectively the industry creates opportunities for local producers, entrepreneurs, workers, and communities.
Speaking during a ministerial panel discussion on the theme ‘Country Branding, Competitiveness and Growth,’ Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, said the direction being advanced by the CTO closely mirrors priorities already being pursued within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Everything in the Turks and Caicos Islands is linked to tourism, and we are constantly exploring ways to develop opportunities for our people,” Minister Jolly said. “Ensuring that Turks and Caicos Islanders benefit from tourism is a key objective of my Ministry and Experience Turks and Caicos.”
The Minister noted that the Turks and Caicos Islands has long recognised the importance of strengthening connections between tourism and the wider economy, particularly through agriculture, fisheries, local services, and entrepreneurship.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Zhavargo Jolly on the Ministerial Panel Discussion at CTO Caribbean Week in New York
“I am pleased that this forward-thinking approach is now being reflected at the regional level,” he said. “Our focus has been on strengthening the link between tourism and the wider economy so that local producers, local businesses, and communities are directly connected to tourism demand.”
The Ministry continues to support efforts aimed at strengthening agriculture-to-tourism linkages, including structured engagement between farmers, fishers, food producers, hoteliers, restaurants, and chefs to improve supply consistency, expand market access, and increase the share of tourism spending that remains within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Tourism cannot simply be something that happens around our people. It must create opportunities for our people,” Minister Jolly said. “As a small island destination, our success will ultimately be measured not only by the number of visitors we attract, but by how effectively tourism creates prosperity, ownership, and opportunity for Turks and Caicos Islanders.”
The CTO’s Supply Side Committee, chaired by Jamaica, brings together member states in a coordinated effort to strengthen regional supply chains, build workforce capacity, and enhance the resilience and inclusiveness of the Caribbean tourism economy.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is among the 13 member states participating in the committee.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
• Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
• Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
• The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
