VISITOR PROFILE
Travel Pattern
Visitors to the TCI are frequent travelers. The majority (79%) of respondents travelled internationally at least once in the last 12 months, whilst more than half (54%) traveled twice or more. The most common number of international trips taken in the last year,however, was 2-3
The TCI is a favorite destination spot among visitors. This was the first visit for three- quarters of the respondents (73%), whilst the remaining quarter (27%) visited the TCI at least once before in the past 12 months; 14% visited twice or more. The main reasons for the previous visits were business and to visit friends and family. A smaller number also visited on a vacation/pleasure trip.
Figure 11: Frequency of Travel
MOTIVATION
MOTIVATION
Turks and Caicos is an attractive destination for a multitude of reasons, but the main pull factor, is the beautiful beaches. This was the main reason respondents selected the destination for their visit Other common reasons were the recommendation from others or the reputation of TCI, as well as the accessibility of the destination. The least attractive aspect to responding visitors was the affordability of getting to and staying in the TCI.
12: Reasons for Selecting the TCI
The Beach
Other reasons included:
To visit family/friends
Enjoyed it from previous visits, so returned
A new destination to try
For the water activities – sailing, snorkeling, kite surfing
On a business trip
Intransit to other countries (Haiti, Canada)
Figure
MOTIVATION
There are several activities to experience on TCI The most common activity that visitors engage in, is Water Sports. The majority (88%) of the responding visitors visited the beach or engaged in one type of water sport or another whilst on their trip. Another popular activity in TCI, is Fine Dining. More than two-thirds (79%) of the respondents dined at a formal restaurant during their visit. The least popular activity however, was Guided Land Tours.
13: Activities Engaged in on TCI
The main activity of all visitors to the TCI, is to visit the beach or participate in some water-based activity The older visitors (over 80 years), the Gen Z (under 30 years) and the Millennial (30-45 years) to a lesser extent, are however, the most likely to indulge in fine dining. The Gen Z also do the most shopping, whilst the Millennials engage the most in budget-friendly or free activities.
Figure
VISITOR PERCEPTION
VISITOR PERCEPTION
On Island Experiences
The two most highly rated aspects of the tourism product are the Accommodation and Cuisine. The majority (86%) of the responding visitors rated their accommodation as either excellent or good, whilst a similar percentage (83%) thought the same about the food and beverage.
Not all visitors purchase souvenirs or use Taxi/Hired Car services. In this survey, one- third (34%) of the respondents did not purchase a souvenir, whilst one quarter (23%) did not use Taxis or rented vehicles. Of those who did, a significant percentage (71% and 76%, respectively) were pleased with the service received.
Overall, visitors are quite satisfied with the destination. Three quarters (75%) of the respondents rated the overall cost of the visit as either excellent or good, indicating a perception of high value for money.
Figure 14: Visitors’ Perception of the Tourism Product
VISITOR PERCEPTION
Safety and Security
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a very safe destination for tourists. The TCI Police Department records indicated that 0.01% of visitors were victims of crimes in 2025. This was evident in the fact that the majority (94%) of responding visitors noted that safety/security was never a concern during their stay in TCI
Figure 15: Visitors’ Concern for Safety and Security
Visitors’ concern for safety varied by age, though. Respondents between the ages of 45 and 70, felt the most secure (97%), whilst those over the age of 70 had the most concern for their safety and security (12%).
VISITOR PERCEPTION
Overall Perception of TCI,
The Turks and Caicos is a beautiful, relaxing and welcoming destination. Consequently, visitors are quite satisfied with their experience in the TCI. Twothirds (66%) of the responding visitors rated their overall experience as Excellent, whilst another 30% described it as Good, resulting in an overall satisfaction score of 96%.
Figure 18: Visitors’ Perception of Overall Experience in TCI
Visitors from all countries are satisfied with their experience in the TCI, although those from the non- traditional markets might hold their experience in the highest regard The majority (80%) of the responding visitors from Other Countries rated their experience as Excellent, followed by 68% from the US, 58% from Canada and 50% from the UK. Caribbean visitors however, might be the least satisfied, as only 23% described their experience as Excellent.
VISITOR PERCEPTION
Willingness to Return/Recommend
Another indication of visitors’ overall satisfaction, is the strong willingness to return to or recommend the Turks and Caicos Islands to friends or relatives. The majority (85%) of responding visitors indicated that they would definitely return or recommend the TCI to others, whilst another 12% said that they probably would. A very small percentage however (3%) were not willing to return or recommend the TCI
Figure 20: Visitors’ Willingness to Recommend/Return to the TCI
The willingness to recommend/return did not vary much by gender or country of residence, but there was some disparity by age group. All (100%) of the responding visitors in the Millennial age group (30 – 45 years) were willing to return to or recommend the destination, whilst a considerable percentage (12%) of respondents from the Post War generation (over 80 years), were not willing to.
VISITOR EXPENDITURE
EXPENDITURE
Average Daily Spend
The Turks and Caicos Islands is primarily a luxury destination, boasting several high-end properties, curated experiences and a broad range of cuisines.The average spend per person, per night, would therefore be in the mid-high range. Based on the results from the survey, the average spend per person per night for this quarter, was US$501.30. The greatest share of expenditure was spent on Accommodation (70%), followed by Food and Beverage at the property (12%).
Table 4: Breakdown of Daily Expenditure
EXPENDITURE
Total Spend for the Quarter
Experience Turks and Caicos estimated that the TCI received a total of 205,879 visitor arrivals for the quarter January to March 2026. From the survey, the average length of stay during that period was 6.5 nights.
The formula used to calculate expenditure is as follows:
Total Expenditure = Total Visitor Arrivals x Average Length of Stay x Average Daily
Spend/Person = 205,879 x 6.5 x $501.30
Total visitor expenditure within the TCI for the period January to March 2026, is therefore estimated at:
US $670,846,428
CONCLUSION
The Turks and Caicos Islands has traditionally been marketed as a luxury destination getaway, catering primarily to the high-end visitor. Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the TCI Statistics Authority, therefore conducted an exit survey for one week during the month of March 2026, to determine the actual visitor profile, motivation for travel, perception of the destination and expenditure whilst on island.
The survey revealed the following:
Visitor Profile
Visitors to the TCI are mainly from the USA and Canada to a lesser extent The top three origin states are Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. The average party size is 2.9, as visitors mostly travel either with a spouse/partner or a small family. Smaller numbers travel alone or with friends, which explains why there are slightly more female than male visitors (59:41). Whilst the destination receives visitors of all ages, the main age range is 30-69. Being a luxury destination, the visitors mostly fall into the higher income brackets, with occupation titles such as Manager, Professional, CEO and Entrepreneur.
Motivation
Visitors primarily visit the TCI on vacation/holiday and spend an average of 6.5 nights a trip, although many tend to stay up to 5 nights Visitors to the TCI are avid travelers, taking 2-3 international trips a year, with as many as 27% being repeat visitors. On island, visitors mostly stay at luxury hotels/resorts and engage mainly in water-based activities and fine dining. The most common reasons for choosing to visit the TCI, however, are the beaches and peer recommendations.
Perception
Visitors are very satisfied with their experience in the TCI. The majority (96%) of responding visitors rated their overall experience as either excellent or good, especially the time spent at the resort. Visitor safety was also highly rated, with 94% of visitors confirming satisfaction. The overall airport experience was also satisfactory, but more so on arrival (81%) than departure (74%). Visitor satisfaction is further indicated by the high rate of willingness to recommend or return to the TCI (97%)
CONCLUSION
Expenditure
Visitor daily expenditure is estimated at US$501.30 per person, whilst total expenditure for the quarter, was US Million $671.
Tourism is vital to the economic growth and stability of the TCI. Visitors contribute to the economy not only through daily expenditure, but through their shared experiences and recommendations. From the survey, it is clear that visitors are satisfied with their experience in TCI and would recommend the destinations to others.The information generated will be used to better market the TCI and ensure that visitors continue to visit and/or return to the islands.
Regent House Ventura Drive, Grace Bay Road
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Sharissa Lightbourneslightbourne@myexperiencetci.com
Roselieu Augustinraaugustin@myexperiencetcicom
Building No.8 Caribbean Place 1254 Leeward Highway
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Sherlin Forbes- saforbes@govtc Wendera Seymour - wlseymour@gov.tc
