TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS VISITOR EXIT SURVEY REPORT Q2 2026
April - June
2026
VISITOR PROFILE
TRAVEL PATTERNS
VISITOR EXPENDITURE
DESTINATION PERFORMANCE
Executive Summary The Turks and Caicos Islands is primarily a tourist destination, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Tourism, therefore, is the largest contributor to economic growth and development, based on visitor expenditure, accommodation taxes, employment and sector linkages. A Departing Visitor Survey, conducted quarterly, allows for the assessment of not only visitor perception of the destination, but also expenditure whilst on island. The main findings from this quarter’s survey indicated the following: Main Country of
Main Purpose of Visit:
Residence: USA - 93%
Vacation - 92%
Main Motivation for Travel: Beautiful Beaches - 85%
Avg. Spend/Person/Day: US$460.09
April - June
2026
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 1 VISITOR PROFILE ........................................................... 3 MOTIVATION ................................................................. 14 VISITOR PERCEPTION ................................................. 18 EXPENDITURE .............................................................. 26 CONCLUSION ............................................................... 29
April - June
2026
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is on an upward trajectory. Stay over visitor arrivals to the destination increased by 64% between 2021 and 2025, and arrivals have been higher every month this year, than last year. Accommodation is also on the rise, with several properties currently under construction or slated for construction. The increase in demand for the destination and the resulting changes to the tourism product, significantly contribute to the economic growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. To ascertain the socio-economic impact of tourism in the TCI, the Turks and Caicos Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the TCI Statistics Authority, conduct a Visitor Exit Survey at the Howard Hamilton International Airport (PLS) every quarter. The objective of the survey is to garner information from departing visitors on their’ motivation for travel, perception of the destination and expenditure whilst here. This information identifies areas for further growth and improvement.
Survey Methodology The survey took the form of a structured questionnaire comprising a mix of closed and open-ended questions. Seven (7) interviewers and three (3) Supervisors questioned randomly selected visitors through face-to-face interviews inside the departure lounge of the airport. Consideration was given to approach departing visitors only, on each flight leaving the airport from Monday June 8th to Sunday June 14th, 2026. After editing, the sample size for this survey was 355. Total arrivals within that oneweek period, was 13,890. This means that the sample size is valid as it provides a 95% confidence interval with a +/- 5% margin of error. The survey was designed and compiled in Survey Solutions and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The findings from the survey form the basis of this report.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE
VISITOR PROFILE Country of Residence The US is the main source of visitor arrivals to the TCI.
In this survey, 93% of
responding visitors were from the US. Canada is the second largest source market for the TCI. Canada 3%
United States 93%
Figure1: Breakdown by Country of Residence
US State The top 5 US states represented in this survey are: Florida Texas New York New Jersey California
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE Age Group Visitors to the TCI fall primarily within two age groups – Millennials (30 – 45 years old) and Gen X (46 – 69 years old). Smaller percentages from the Boomers (70 – 80 years old) and Gen Z (under 30 years) generations also visit, which supports the trend of inter- generational and family travel. The average age was 46. 8%
40%
7%
39% 7%
30%
35%
5%
20%
14% 10%
0%
12%
Gen Z
Millenial
Gen X
Boomer
Figure 2: Breakdown by Age Group
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 5
VISITOR PROFILE Travel Party Family trips are very common at this time of year. This group formed the largest type of travel party visiting the TCI in Q2. Couples make up the second largest group of visitors, as more than one third of the respondents traveled with their 11% spouse or partner. 8%
7%
Friends 10%
7%
Alone 12%
5%
Family/Relatives 41%
Spouse/Partner 36%
Figure 3: Breakdown by Travel Party
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE Gender The ratio of male to female responding visitors was 1:1.15, putting the female visitors slightly ahead of the male. In the breakdown by age however, male respondents were equally distributed between the Millennial and Gen X generations, whilst the largest percentage of female respondents were from the Millennial generation. 8%
Gen Z
Millenial
Gen X 7%
Boomer
100% 15% 80%
7%
12%
5%
32% 37% 60%
40%
42% 37%
20%
0%
11%
14%
Male
Female
Figure 4: Gender Breakdown by Age
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 7
VISITOR PROFILE Occupation Visitors to the TCI primarily fall within the upper economic brackets. Close to two-thirds (64%) of the respondents were in senior or managerial level positions. 11%
8%
CEO/Entrepreneur/ Self-Employed
Manager/Supervisor/Professional/Technician
26%
7%
38%
7%
5%
Service/Sales Worker
Admin/Clerical Support Staff
16%
5%
Retired
10%
Homemaker
Other 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Figure 5: Breakdown by Occupation
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 8
VISITOR PROFILE Purpose of Visit Visitors to the TCI primarily visit for a vacation/holiday/pleasure. Smaller percentages also visit on business, for a wedding/honeymoon, or to see friends and family. 11%
8%
Business 3% 7%
7%
5%
Figure 6: Breakdown by Purpose of Visit
Vacation/Pleasure 92%
The majority of all visitors (90% and above), regardless of age, visited the TCI for pleasure. Millennials however, were the largest age group visiting for business, wedding/honeymoon and VFR.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE Length of Stay Visitors this quarter, spent on average of 5.6 nights in the TCI. More than half of the respondents spent up to 5 nights, whilst smaller percentages spent 6 or more nights in Turks and Caicos. 11%
60%
8%
57% 7%
50%
7%
40%
39%
5%
30%
20%
10% 3%
1% ni gh ts O ve r1 5
ni gh ts 11 -
15
ni gh ts 610
15
ni gh ts
0%
Figure 7: Breakdown by Length of Stay
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 10
VISITOR PROFILE Activities Engaged In Turks and Caicos Islands is famous for its beaches and water sports activities. It is no wonder that this is the main activity that visitors engage in whilst here. The TCI also has a wide range of restaurants offering fine dining. Souvenir, jewelry and clothing stores are also widely available. 8%
7%
Beach/Water Sports
81% 7%
Fine Dining
73%
5%
Shopping
34%
Spa/Wellness
23%
Budget friendly
19%
Land Tours
18%
Nightlife
18%
Cultural
16% 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 8: Activities Engaged In On Island
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE Place of Stay The TCI boasts a wide range of properties to suit every budget. Most visitors however, prefer to stay at a luxury hotel or resort. 11%
Other Hotel 4% Short term Rental 10%
8%
7%
7%
Villa/Condo 14%
5%
Luxury Resort 69%
Figure 8: Preferred Type of Property The more popular properties where vistors stayed this quarter included: Beaches Resort The Sands at Grace Bay Alexandra Resort Club Med Grace Bay Club The Palms Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PROFILE Frequency of Travel The TCI receives more first time than repeat visitors. More than half (58%) of the respondents were visiting the TCI for the first time (at least within the last five years). Of the 42% who visited recently, one-quarter 11% (23%) visited more than once. Visitors do however travel frequently to other international destinations. In the last year, three quarters (74%) of the responding visitors traveled at least once. 7%
7%
To TCI 60%
International 5%
58% 50% 40%
34%
30% 27%
26% 20%
19%
17%
10% 3% 0%
0
1
2 to 3
6%
4 to 6
3%
7%
More than 6
No. of Trips Taken Figure 9: Frequency of Travel
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 13
MOTIVATION
MOTIVATION Why TCI The TCI is an attractive destination for various reasons, chief of which are the beautiful beaches. Accolades include the World Travel Award for Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination, Air Canada Vacations Award for Best Beach Destination, whilst Grace Bay, Bambarra Beach and Taylor Bay, have all received numerous awards for Best Beaches. Other factors pulling visitors to the TCI are its reputation, luxury appeal and accessibility. 7% 7%
Beautiful Beaches
85%
5%
Recommendation/Reputation
36%
Luxury Appeal
20%
Accessibility
13%
Affordability
4%
Ease of Business
4%
Sustainable Practices
3%
Other
7% 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 10: Pull Factors
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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MOTIVATION Social Media Influence Social media plays a very influential role in the dreaming stage of travel planning. Many visitors rely on the feedback from others’ experiences to help make the final decision of where to visit. The most influential platforms for the responding visitors, were Instagram and Tik Tok.
25% 7%
20%
22% 7%
18% 15% 5%
10% 8%
7%
5%
4%
1% ab ov e
Al lo ft he
Tw i tt er /X
Yo uT ub e
Fa ce bo ok
Ti kT ok
In st ag ra m
0%
Figure 11: Influential Social Media Platforms
Instagram and TikTok were mostly used by visitors from the Millennial and Gen Z generations, whilst Facebook was more common among visitors from the Millennial and Gen X generations. A few (18%) of the Gen Z generation however, relied on all the platforms. Social Media platforms therefore need to be strategically incorporated into the destination’s marketing efforts.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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MOTIVATION Booking Method Booking is the third stage in travel, following dreaming and planning. Once the location has been selected, the next step is to make the travel arrangements. In today’s technologically advanced world however, travelers tend to book the entire trip, on their own. This was evident from the survey, as 70% of the responding visitors indicated that they booked their trip directly with the respective airline and/or accommodation. A small percentage still booked through a travel agent 7% however, either online or physically. 7%
OTA 9% 5%
Travel Agent 21%
Directly 70%
Figure 12: Booking Method
Visitors of all ages prefer to book their travel arrangements directly, particularly those from the Millennial generation. Visitors in the Boomer generation however are the most likely to use a travel agency, whilst the Gen Z generation would also use an online Tour Operator.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR PERCEPTION
PERCEPTION Value for Money Turks and Caicos is marketed as a luxurious, private, family get-away destination, with high-end accommodations and a mix of local and international cuisines. These two aspects however, received the highest ratings for value for money. 87% of the respondents rated their accommodation as either excellent or good, whilst 81% rated the same for food and beverage. Overall, the destination provides high value for money, as noted by the 74% of the respondents who rated the overall cost as either excellent or good. 7%
Excellent
Good
7%
Average
Poor
Very Poor
N/A
5%
Accommodations
48%
Food & Beverage
Souvenirs
41%
20%
28%
Overall Cost
25%
16%
20%
33%
27%
14%
49% 20%
11%
40%
31%
Taxi Service
0%
39%
40%
19%
20% 60%
80%
100%
Figure 13: Perception of Value for Money
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 19
PERCEPTION Sister Island Visits Providenciales is the main entryway into Turks and Caicos and houses roughly 90% of all accommodation. As such, visitors spend the majority, if not all, of their time on this island. From the survey, 89% of the respondents stayed only on Providenciales, whilst the remaining 11% visited the other islands. The most visited sister island was North Caicos (5%), followed by Grand Turk (4%), the smaller cays (3%), Middle Caicos (3%) and South Caicos (2%). The main reasons for venturing to the sister islands included: 7% For a relaxing getaway To take in nature 7% To visit historical and cultural sites and To go diving. 5%
Chart 1: Map of Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 20
PERCEPTION Visitor Safety Turks and Caicos has a very low crime rate, with the Royal Police Force noting that just about 1% of the victims and perpetrators are non-residents. Visitors therefore feel very safe when in Turks and Caicos. To attest to this, the majority (95%) of respondents indicated that their personal safety was not a major concern whilst in the TCI. Visitors are therefore encouraged to enjoy the destination whilst exercising the same safety and precautionary measures as they would anywhere else. Yes 7% 5% 7%
5%
No 95%
Figure 14: Visitor Concern for Safety Although the TCI is a safe destination, with very few incidents of crime against tourists, responding visitors from the Gen Z generation (11%), were the most concerned for their safety. The Turks & Caicos Tourism Authority will therefore need to reassure the younger generation, through targetd safety messages.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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PERCEPTION Airport Experience (On Arrival) Visitors are required to make three stops on arrival at the Airport - Passport Control, Baggage Collection and Customs Clearance. Of these, the Customs Clearance is the most satisfying. The majority (88%) of the respondents rated their experience at Customs, as either excellent or good. The Passport Control was also a better experience than Baggage Collection. Respondents highlighted the long wait for their luggage, the confusion between conveyor belts and the difficulty in finding their pieces once they were removed 7% from the belt. Excellent
7% Average
Good Very Poor 5%
100% 12% 80%
60%
38%
Poor
N/A
8%
9%
9%
36%
39%
40%
20%
0%
47%
45%
49%
Passport Control
Baggage Collection
Customs Clearance
Figure 15: Visitor Perception of the Arrival Process
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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PERCEPTION Airport Experience (Departure) The departure experience from any airport can be overwhelming. At the Howard Hamilton International Airport however, visitors have a relatively hassle-free experience. The security screening was rated the highest this quarter, with 90% of the responding visitors indicating that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience. Two other areas which received high satisfaction ratings, were the service at the Check-In counters, as well as the audibility and frequency of flight information. 7% The areas which need improvement based on visitor feedback are the service at the restaurants and the duty-free selection. 7%
5%
Check-In Counter
89%
Flight Information
89%
Restaurant
65%
Cleanliness
79%
Security
90%
Duty-Free
63%
Overall 0%
84% 20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 16: Visitor Perception of the Departure Experience
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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PERCEPTION Overall Experience Visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands is a wonderful experience. More than half (59%) of the respondents rated their experience on island as excellent, whilst another third (35%) thought it was good, resulting in a Visitor Satisfaction Index of 94%.
Average 6%
7%
7%
5%
Good 35% Excellent 59%
Figure 17: Visitor Perception of their Overall Experience
Visitors of all ages enjoyed their time in Turks and Caicos. 90% or more of visitors from all age groups except the Boomers (62-80 years old), rated their experience as either excellent or good. The Boomers had the lowest satisfaction rate at 88%.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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PERCEPTION Willingness to Recommend/Return The ultimate indication of visitor satisfaction is the visitors’ willingness to recommend and or return to the destination. From this survey, more than three quarters (77%) of the responding visitors indicated that they would definitely recommend or return to the TCI. Another 18% had a less enthusiastic, but positive reaction, bringing the total satisfied visitors to 95%. Not Sure 4% Probably 18%
7%
7%
5%
Definitely 77%
Figure 18: Visitors’ Willingness to Recommend/Return
The 5% of the respondents who were either not sure of or not willing to return to or recommend the destination, were from the US and were mainly in the Boomer generation.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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VISITOR EXPENDITURE
EXPENDITURE Average Daily Spend The main areas of spend on any vacation or trip are accommodation, meals, and transportation. This quarter, visitors spent an average of $460 per person/day, roughly two-thirds (64%) of which went towards accommodation (room only). The meals enjoyed on property accounted for 12% of daily expenditure, whilst 9% was spent at stand-alone restaurants and eateries. Many visitors also engaged in land and sea excursions, which costed about $30 per person daily. There is no public transportation on TCI, resulting in about 4% of daily expenditure going towards taxi’s and rented vehicles. The balance was spent on souvenirs and other items. Table 1: Visitor Average Daily Expenditure, Per Person Area of Spend
Av. Daily Amt p/p
Percentage Share
Accommodation
$296.50
64%
Food and Beverage at Property
$57.23
12%
Food & Beverage Outside Property
$41.36
9%
Excursions
$27.76
6%
Taxi
$10.91
2%
Hired Vehicles
$8.26
2%
Souvenirs
$8.32
2%
Other
$9.75
2%
Total
$460.09
100%
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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EXPENDITURE Total Spend Preliminary reports indicate that a total of 178,711 stay-over arrivals visited the TCI in Q2 2026 (April to June). From the survey, the average length of stay during that period was 5.6 nights. Using the following formula: Total Expenditure = Total Visitor Arrivals for the period x Average Length of Stay x Average Daily Spend per person Therefore, Total Stay Over Expenditure for Q2 2026 is: 178,711 x 5.6 x $460.09 =
$460,449,606.00
Added to the expenditure figure derived in Q1, Total Visitor Expenditure for the first half of 2026 = $670,846,428 + $460,449,606 =
$1,131,296,034.00
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION Tourism is one of the largest economic sectors in the Turks and Caicos Islands, providing employment opportunities in a wide range of business areas, namely accommodation, water sports, construction and food and beverage. The sustainability of the sector, however, depends on visitor perception, satisfaction and expenditure. The quarterly Departing Visitor Survey seeks to ascertain visitors’ sentiments and expenditure, which assist in: Improving the local tourism product offerings Informing the marketing strategies of the Tourism Stakeholders Identifying opportunities for growth and development Indicating the economic contribution of the sector Summary of Findings Visitor Profile - The typical visitor to the TCI in Q2 is a 46-year-old American resident, traveling with his/her family and relatives for a five-day vacation/holiday, and staying at either a hotel or villa. Motivation - The main factors behind the decision to travel to the TCI are the lovely beaches and the reputation of the destination, as described by family, friends and past or present visitors. Travel Pattern - Visitors to the TCI are high net-worth, who travel internationally regularly. As such, they book the airline, accommodations and activities directly with the provider. Older visitors (Boomer generation) may rely on a travel agent, whilst the younger visitors (Gen Z generation) also turn to online tour operators. Perception - The main activities visitors engage in whilst in TCI are relaxing on the beach, enjoying a water sport/activity and sampling the various dining options available, all of which were highly commended. The passport control and Customs clearance processes on arrival at the airport were also favored, as were the check-in, information and security services on departure. Satisfaction - Visitors are very satisfied with the TCI as a vacation get-away. 95% of the respondents felt safe and were willing to recommend and or return to the destination, whilst the overall visitor satisfaction index this quarter, was 94%.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
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CONCLUSION Expenditure - This quarter, visitors spent an average of $460 per person, per day, the largest portion (64%) of which went towards Accommodation. Other high areas of spend included food and beverage (21%), excursions (6%) and transportation (4%). Based on the findings, roughly three-quarters (76%) of visitors’ daily expenditure is spent on property, whilst the remaining 24% is spent on items outside of the accommodation, such as groceries, meals, transportation, excursions and souvenirs. Total visitor expenditure this quarter, was US$460.5 million. Recommendations The survey revealed several areas for improvement and potential growth: The majority (90% or more) of the visitors to the TCI are from the US, primarily because of the close proximity and the readily available air connectivity. Greater efforts should therefore be made to diversify the source markets, through more strategic advertising, collaborations and air services development. Social media plays a very important role in advertising and promoting the destination, however, different platforms appeal more to the different age groups. The platform and the messaging used by tourism stakeholders, should therefore be tailored specifically to the market targeted. Visitors use different booking methods based on their age, travel experience and aptitude. Each method should be used to target the respective groups, to ease the planning process and ensure the destination is more accessible. The baggage collection process at the airport should be reviewed to ensure that visitors are able to collect their luggage with relative ease. The customer service at restaurants, the selection of duty-free items and the overall cleanliness of the airport and the destination as a whole, should also be reviewed to improve visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Turks and Caicos Visitor Exit Survey Report - Q2, 2026
pg. 31
Regent House Ventura Drive, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Building No.8 Caribbean Place 1254 Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Sharissa Lightbourne slightbourne@myexperiencetci.com Roselieu Augustin raaugustin@myexperiencetci.com
Sherlin Forbes- saforbes@gov.tc Wendera Seymour - wlseymour@gov.tc
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