Since the destination has begun keeping records of visitor arrivals from the 1980’s, the Turks and Caicos have reached a pinnacle in the growth of the nation’s top industry. Visitor Arrivals to the Turks & Caicos Is-lands in 2011 showed an increase of 12.3% where the vast majority were contributed by the Cruise Arrivals. The month of December saw a growth of 23% in stay-over visitor arrivals. The overall total arrivals for the past year was 1, 009,720 arrivals. This draws on both cruise arrivals and land base arrivals to the country. When broken down separately, cruise arrivals accounted for 655,497 a 6% increase in numbers and land base arrivals accounted for some 354, 223 a 26% increase in the numbers totaling in the aforementioned surpassed 1 million mark.

Land-Base Arrivals (Stay-Over Visitors)

The Arrivals for stay over visitors saw an increase of 26% totaling 354,223 when compared to the numbers of last year arrivals of 281,1559.

The destination continues to draw on its major source market, the United States with Canada in second place. The United States continues its dominance in arrivals to the destination due in part to major airlift to the destination that increased in 2011, namely JetBlue from New York and Continental from New Jersey. The Tourist Board expects the Canadian market to grow even more in 2012 with the addition of the new in season direct flight from the eastern Canadian city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Arrivals for the USA 2011 were 262,142, Canada- 42,282, Europe-6,902, Caribbean-39,913 and the remaining countries total 2,839 in arrivals. Overall arrivals from the USA showed an increase by 34%, Canada increased by 13% while arrivals from Europe had a declined this year by -9%.

If you are in Providenciales on the 3rd or 4th night after a full moon, don't miss the opportunity to see the glow worms!  We recommend going with Captain dave and his crew on the Atebayra - www.suncharters.tc.  This local phenomena features the mating ritual of the local glow worm.  Right on cue, 50 minutes after sunset, the male and female worms perform a phosphorescent dance.  We went on the cruise last month and adults and children alike loved the show!  Captain Dave and his crew offer great hospitality and a comfortable ride on the Atebayra.

One of the best spots on the island to enjoy dinner and a fantastic view of Turtle Cove and Grace Bay is from Magnolia Restaurant.  This well established dining establishment features classic dining fare and locally caught fish.  Magnolia is known for their tuna.  Providenciales is a relatively flat island, but Magnolia Restaurant is located on a hill overlooking Turtle Cove, which incidentally is the site where the first hotel in Provo was built (the Third Turtle - no longer in operation).  Magnolia Restaurant is about a 10 minute drive from Alexandra Resort.  Reservations are recommended.

White-sand beaches, calm clear water and a bountiful barrier reef make the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales a hot spot for families, snorkelers and divers.

Some call rock-free Grace Bay Beach the best in the world. For an unusual experience, divers can walk along the ocean floor at Smith's Reef, where underwater signs describe the reef's ecosystem.

Additional destinations include Iguana Island (home of endangered rock iguanas), the country's only golf course, art galleries and a casino.

Providenciales neighbourhoods

There are original fishing villages here. These are The Bight, Blue Hills and Five Cays.

Five Cays is still where the fisheries are located.

Blue Hills is a local area with many small local eateries and bars.

The Bight stretches from the Grace Bay Road down to Turtle Cove Marina. There is one of the best places to snorkel from shore here called The Bight Reef. This is located in front of a resort here called Coral Gardens.

There is the most well known tourist area here of Grace Bay. This is where the majority of the resorts are located.

Leeward is at the Eastern end of the island of Providenciales. This is where the leeward Marina is located which is where many of the fishing and excursion companies are located. This is also a very nice residential community, rapidly expanding.

Turtle Cove Marina, is a very popular part of the Island, comprising an extended Marina, Restaurants, some shops and bars. There is a small hotel, a new Condo development for long term and short term rentals, beautiful large homes and some smaller quaint Island homes that are also rented out short term. There is a wonderful place to snorkel from the shore here called Smith's Reef.

Long Bay: This is on the South Shore and is a residential area. There is a very picturesque Beach here. long Bay Beach. It is rockier with many conch shells along the stretch of it. This is a very popular place for horse-riding and walking.

Turtle Tail: This is on The Southern Shore and is the residential area that can be seen behind The IGA Supermarket here. There is a large inland area of water here called Flamingo Lake which is very popular for bone-fishing and Flamingo watching at certain times of the Year. There is a small Marina here where two of the Dive operators go from.

Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay and Chalk Sound: These are higher end residential neighbourhoods.  Chalk sound is the inland body of water that is the brightest shade of blue you have ever seen. Sapodilla Bay is a beautiful quiet bay. Great for children to wade into. Taylor Bay around the corner is a very beautiful and quiet bay, with some gorgeous homes set along it.

Discovery Bay and Cooper Jack: Residential area comprising extended canal systems for people to have their boats out front of their homes.

Downtown:  There are some offices, banks, a few shops and government offices here. They are building a new sports centre downtown now, and there is a new Ball park and Stadium.

Kew Town: This is predominately a local/Haitian/Dominican area behind the Downtown and airport area.

Alexandra Resort new promotion for summer getaways:

Offer:                    $1,699 for a one week stay in a garden view one bedroom suite

Booking Window:    Now - February 29, 2012

Travel Dates:         May 1 - August 31, 2012

Terms:                

Book and pre-pay in full (non refundable) by February 29, and receive extra $25 off the $1699 (after discount, price is $1,674).  Otherwise, may book up until March 31, 2012 to receive that rate (must be fully prepaid and non refundable to receive rate).  May not be combined with other offers.  For new reservations only.  Subject to availability and advance reservations required.  Available only for reservations made directly with resort.

The Alexandra Resort proudly supports community initiatives in the Turks & Caicos.  Ms. Sonia Williams, representing the Ministry of Education for the Turks & Caicos Islands, accepted a donation cheque for $3,000 from the Alexandra Resort and Spa on behalf of the Ona Glinton Primary School Rebuilding Fund.  The school, which was damaged by fire in the 2010/2011 academic year, is located in Grand Turk.  The rebuilding efforts are supported by government and local businesses.  Representatives would welcome any support available from other corporate organization to help rebuilding efforts.