A new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) and private aircraft terminal at Providenciales will boost the luxury travel market to the Turks and Caicos Islands when it opens next year.

TCI-based M Aviation Limited, Turks and Caicos Islands Authority (TCIAA) and the TCI Government have agreed on a commitment to develop the new FBO adjacent to Provo’s International Airport, tripling the private airport capacity at the airport. Over one-third of aircraft movements at the airport already comes from private aircraft, despite accounting for only 3% of passenger traffic.

The new state-of-the-art $15m FBO will feature generous parking and hangar space for large and small private aircraft, modern lounge and crew facilities, integrated customs and immigration as well as full servicing of private aircraft.

It will be ready in approx. 12 months time for the 2012/13 tourist season and will support 50 construction jobs during the build period and employ up to 20 personnel once operational. M Aviation has committed to adopt similar local employment principles to the TCIAA Phase 1 project which saw a minimum of 70% local employment.

M Aviation has tasked GENIVAR, who recently managed the first stage of the expansion of Providenciales Airport, with designing their new facility. The land will be leased from the TCIG and the TCIAA based on the standard Turks & Caicos Islands Government’s lease principles for a period of 99 years taking inflation into account.

M Aviation is a Turks and Caicos based company owned and operated by investors who have already made significant tourism related investments developing a leading luxury resort in Turks and Caicos.

Governor Ric Todd added: “Such a significant investment commitment by a local company into our infrastructure shows that business confidence is building across the Turks and Caicos. The new facility will allow our islands to keep pace with other Caribbean destinations and play a key role in supporting our exclusive resorts.”

John Smith, Chief Executive of the TCIAA, commented that: “The private aviation market is showing tremendous growth as more and more affluent travelers wish to take advantage of the privacy, flexibility and convenience of traveling on a private plane. A second FBO facility in Turks & Caicos will position us well as a luxury destination for the future."

The new FBO facility is an integral part of the overall airport expansion strategy. Phase One saw the extension of the runway to 9,200 feet and 36,000 sq m additional apron to accommodate B777-300ER and B747-400 aircraft on direct long haul flights, especially from Europe. This phase was completed ahead on schedule and within the fixed price $36m budget.

TCIAA is currently undertaking minor refurbishment work on the existing terminal, leading into the development work required to facilitate Phase 2, the terminal and car park project. Phase 2 is estimated at around a $30-$40m investment with a construction time frame of two years.

2nd Annual Maskanoo on December 26 - This annual cultural event is organized by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and the Cultural & Arts Commission and will showcase the best of the islands’ cultural heritage, mixing Junkanoo with Masquerade to create “Maskanoo.”

Maskanoo will be held in the tourist capital of Providenciales, following a route along Grace Bay Road between the Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Persons attending the event will enjoy the street parade, local music, island food, arts, entertainment as well as a fireworks display at the end of the event.

Start making your holiday plans for Turks & Caicos today!!

The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds. 170 species of bird can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Pelicans and Flamingos to Osprey and Cuban Crows. The variety is staggering and the photographs that have been taken here have been published across the world. On North Caicos in particular the tidal flats on the South side of the island attract scores of birds including wild Pink Flamingos that regularly inhabit the aptly named Flamingo Pond.

Turks and Caicos is also home to the West Indian Whistling-Duck, a rare bird that gets its name from a distinctive whistling call.  Article courtesy of http://www.turksandcaicosbirdwatching.com/

The new VIP Flyers Club at the Providenciales international airport is offering first service and amenities to travelers heading in and out of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The new 600-square-foot luxury lounge located in the departure area offers a relaxing atmosphere as well as fast-track service.

The $40 admission fee includes access to an air-conditioned lounge with leather armchairs, marble counter tops and 42-inch LCD TVs, refreshments and snacks, free Wi-Fi and free international calls to the U.S. or Canada.

Island tours are now available with Island Rhythms.  See local historic sites, and learn about nature and the many things there are to do in Providenciales. 

Island Rhythms & Tours is a newly formed land excursion company based on Providenciales. It aims to showcase the vibrant culture of The Turks & Caicos Islands that is so often marginalize by external influences and escape the purview of our many visitors.

Operating with the mantra “Inform • Involve • Inspire,” they provide tours that educate visitors and residents on our nobility as chronicled in our proud traditions and customs. The team of highly trained, highly skilled, Ambassadors guide the adventures on board the Rhythm Ride with the sounds of the Caribbean. Activities while educational and entertaining are also interactive, allowing for an authentic cultural immersion and of course they hope to inspire fond memories of Caribbean Islands that are indeed “beautiful by nature.”

Owing to unique geological, cultural and historical characteristics Island Rhythms Tours has fostered Cultural Alliances with the following: 

• The National Trust
• The Conch Farm
• The Fish House
• Froggies
• Provo Mini Golf
• Da Conch Shack
• FOTTAC
• Smokey’s on the Beach
• DECR
• Cultural Commission
• The Wine Cellar
• Turks Head Beer
• Flamingo Cafe 

Island Rhythms Tours relishes its role as the vanguard of culture and history and is committed to advance the cause of educate all on the beauties of Providenciales. For more information visit www.islandrhythmstours.com.

Plan now to attend the Caribbean Food and Wine festival, being hosted November 4-5, 2011.  

Featuring guest chef Beau Macmillan, winner of Iron Chef America (defeated Chef Bobby Flay); Provos top chefs including our very own Chef Paul Newman & Chef Martin Davies, winners of Iron Chef Toronto from Coyaba accompanied by a fine selection of wine representatives from Tuck Beckstoffer, award winning cult wine maker, Duckpond Cellars & Master Sommelier Geoff Kruth. A celebration of food and wine that you will want to experience!

For more information visit http://caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com.

Providenciales’ first-ever weekly Community & Farmers’ Market will commence on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Red Cross headquarters on the Leeward Highway across from LIME.
 
The Community & Farmers’ Market aims to bring people together, help people get fresh local produce, save money on goods and services, promote fun, safe and healthy community and promote Red Cross products and services.

Cricket has been played in the Turks & Caicos since the 1950's.  Island teams regularly competed against each other, especially on public holidays.  The first game of cricket was played on Provo in 1983.  There are now six cricket teams in Provo.  In February 2008, Turks & Caicos won the ICC America's Division Three Championship in Argentina.  If you would like to watch cricket when you visit Turks & Caicos, visit www.TCICricket.com to learn more about the various teams and game schedules.