Covid has affected the number of tourists around the world, but for some destinations, the number of visitors is increasing.
The Turks and Caicos Islands experienced one of the busiest summers on record in 2021. Compared to pre-pandemic statistics in 2019, the destination saw an increase of more than 18% in June with 54,188 visitors; 19% accumulating in July with 56,022 visitors; and 15% accumulating in August with 41,734 visitors. These figures are impressive the covid scenario around the world.
Several points have contributed to the accumulation in the number of guests, adding the control of the islands of covid tourism. Protocols in covid position meant that travelers had to present: evidence of vaccination; a negative covid test; and travel insurance. This has limited covid transmission on the island for travelers and residents. On May 1, 2022, the maximum of those needs was removed (vaccine evidence is still required) and tourism is expected to continue growing in 2022. The island is already registering forged reserves for this summer season.
More than 80 percent of the adult population is vaccinated, making the Turks and Caicos Islands one of the most vaccinated countries in the world. A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is recently being administered nationwide, with priority for others. over 60 years of age or immunocompromised.
Another explanation for why the Turks and Caicos Islands attract so many visitors?It provides world-class diving.
For many diving enthusiasts, Turks and Caicos is an unmissable trip. “Diving in Turks and Caicos is one of the most productive in the Western Hemisphere, which is why these islands are known. ” said Julie Andersen, PADI Global Brand Director. There are some wonderful coral formations, many of them on steep walls. The life of the fish, in addition to the spotted eagle rays, is abundant and healthy.
What makes diving in the Turks and Caicos Islands so unique?Underwater situations (low current, transparent water, constant water temperature above 75 degrees) make it ideal. With walls, shipwrecks, varied marine life and even swimming, it’s best for complex divers,” says Andersen. “It’s also a position for non-divers who need to try diving for the first time, many of whom end up graduating. “
The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated on a vast underwater plateau that rises 7,000 feet from the ocean floor, with most of the islands located directly at the northern edge of that shelf. That means amazing wall designs, healthy corals, and amazing marine life of all shapes and sizes. “Reefs are plentiful, and given the design of the walls, you’ll see dense, hardy coral species at deeper depths than you’ve possibly noticed before,” says Andersen. through a bright purple gorgon coral contrasting with a Caribbean reef shark gliding in crystal clear waters, it’s a vision I’ll have in my brain as my satisfied place. “
Warm water and intelligent visibility allow divers to have a variety of encounters.
Divers have the possibility to encounter giant migratory species, such as humpback whales, sharks, turtles, rays and dolphins. From January to March, many pelagic species use the channels between the islands as water “roads”. Grand Turk, along with the neighboring island of Salt Cay, are two of the world’s top destinations for swimming with humpback whales. From January to April, moms flock to those shallow waters to give birth.
Andersen says, “I enjoyed the colorful fish of all shapes and sizes, the amazing schools of horse-eye jacks, the constant hawksbill turtle sightings, and of course the gathering of JoJo, the resident, the wild dolphin and the national treasure that houses the divers. “Some of the most productive dives I’ve had here have been at sunset. That’s when reefs start to replace and you see nocturnal and diurnal creatures wandering in such giant numbers you don’t know where to look.
Provo, short for Providenciales, has a large number of dive sites, the well-known Grace Bay.
Turks and Caicos has some of the diving in the Western Hemisphere.
Dive Provo offers two-tank boat dives to sites such as Grace Bay, Northwest Point, West Caicos, French Cay, Pine Cay and Sandbore Channel. For divers who enjoy multi-day dives, the company will create an itinerary of other dive sites. For example, in Grace Bay, a popular summer dive site with a diverse topography, highlights are Graceland, where reef sharks can be observed, and the Aquarium, where huge schools of snapper and other fish continuously circulate over the wall.
Travelers who need to explore multiple dive sites during the day and need luxury hotels have a variety of features on the island, Point Grace adds. Unlike many of the larger hotels on the island, this boutique hotel has just 28 rooms and focuses on one, three- and four-bedroom suites. A big attraction after several days of diving (and using the heavy tanks) is the Thalasso Spa.
While many visitors are familiar with Provo, it is the most visited of the islands, the sister islands offer a wealth of diving opportunities.
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, of which they are inhabited.
The underwater topography varies on the island a diver explores.
Andersen points out that there is wonderful diversity among the islands in terms of development, feel and, of course, underwater topography. If you’re looking for a more remote, “castaway” island lifestyle, some of the smaller islands are the best option. PADI has thirteen dive centers in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 4 other islands.
East Bay Resort, located on the island of South Caicos, one of the sister islands, offers valet parking through Reef Divers South Caicos. Divers meet with an instructor to create an itinerary based on their point of interest: wall diving, marine life, shallow dives. , aerial dives or training. The company supplies all appliances and rinses, dries and sells everything after each dive, so that it is fit for the next excursion. Diving opportunities come with Admiral Cockburn National Park, the stunning walls of Grand Turk, as well as the coral reefs of East Caicos. There are more than 25 dive sites in this area. Divers have the chance to see a variety of marine life, plus sharks, turtles, rays, eels and schools of giant fish.