Turks and Caicos Meetings and Events
The Turks and Caicos is a unique choice for hosting a conference, business or corporate retreat, or other event. It's relatively easy to get to the islands, as there are direct flights from many North American cities, including New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Miami, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
Turks and Caicos is a stable British Overseas Territory, English is the official language, and the US dollar is the official (and only) currency.
Turks and Caicos offers a wide range of accommodations, from private beachfront villas to luxury resorts. Many of the large resorts have a dedicated event spaces for hosting meetings, conferences, and weddings. The resorts also tend to offer significant discounts for groups.
Your guests will appreciate the year-round excellent weather and the world’s best beach. There’s a great selection of water sports, a top-10 Caribbean golf course, and fun outdoor activities.
Locations and Islands
Providenciales is the only island equipped to host large conferences and exhibitions. Nearly all international flights arrive here, making it the logical island choice.
While smaller conferences and executive retreats can be hosted on a few of the other populated islands, these incur additional domestic transportation costs as it's usually necessary to connect in Providenciales.
There are no dedicated convention centers in Turks and Caicos, so the majority of large events are hosted at the country's resorts.
Outer Islands
While the smaller and less-populated islands are spectacular destinations, most do not have the facilities and infrastructure necessary for hosting large gatherings. For smaller functions, workshops, and incentives travel, however, they can be a unique and memorable choice.
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, you may want to look at planning your event at one of the private islands on Pine Cay, Ambergris Cay, or Parrot Cay (each of which is home to a high-end luxury resort). There's also the island of South Caicos, which now receives direct flights from Miami and is home to the expansive and well-equipped Salterra Resort & Spa.
Getting Here
Nearly all scheduled international flights to the Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). The Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is capable of accepting international charter flights. The airport and airstrips on the smaller islands are domestic only, and not suitable for jets and large aircraft. All three of the country’s FBOs are located on Providenciales.
Venues and Facilities
Several of the larger resorts on Providenciales, including the Shore Club, the Ritz-Carlton, and Beaches Turks & Caicos, feature conference halls, complete audio/video equipment, and onsite technicians. While many other resorts have event spaces, these often tend to be outdoors, which can be a problem in the odd case of bad weather.
Two other auditoriums on Providenciales are available for rental: Brayton Hall in central Providenciales and Tropicana Club near Grace Bay. It's recommended that you contact your preferred business directly to get the best rates.
If your group size isn’t large, one of the smaller meeting rooms at the Grace Bay resorts can be a good option and provide privacy in a professional setting. Small meetings can also be held at On Island, a coworking space in Grace Bay.
MICE Travel
While less known than other Caribbean MICE destinations like the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Barbados, the Turks and Caicos can be a wonderful place for hosting smaller to mid-sized meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. A few Turks and Caicos resorts have even received nominations at the World MICE Awards.
Importation of Materials and Merchandise
The government customs department will have to be contacted for duty waivers and special approvals for temporary imports of demonstration equipment, sample merchandise, and literature and media. The customs department is generally efficient, yet allow for ample time to resolve unusual import issues.
Freight and Shipping
Ocean freight from Florida for a typical shipment may take 2-3 weeks between delivery to the shipper in the United States and clearance and release of the consignment at the port in the Turks and Caicos. It may be possible to have a local freight forwarder hold the shipment until required, or have a concierge service clear and store the shipment.
Air freight, postal service, and the standard international courier services are available as well, and are feasible for smaller shipments.
Catering and Craft Services
There are several catering businesses on Providenciales, and these firms offer dining solutions for events large and small. Due to the planning and possible necessary imports, for large groups, we advise contacting your chosen caterer well in advance of event dates.
If contacted in advance, local restaurants are typically willing to accommodate large groups.
Transport
Providenciales offers a wide range of rental vehicles, taxi services, and charter bus services. See Getting Around, and Driving Information.
Accommodations
Providenciales has a wide selection of accommodations and lodging options, from expansive all-inclusive resorts to secluded rental villas. If you’re booking a conference room at a resort, you’ll often be able to arrange a package deal for accommodation and dining as well.
There are several luxury villa and villa enclaves with multiple units, which can be ideal for smaller meetings.
Team-Building Events
The Turks and Caicos is an ideal destination for outdoor team-building exercises and events. There’s an incredible range of water sports to learn or enjoy, boat charters, and beaches where BBQs, parties, and dinners can take place.
Local Businesses
