Beautiful By Nature

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a well-deserved reputation as an opulent holiday destination, but there's a wealth of untapped investment opportunities to be seized there too, according to James Bursey, CEO at Invest Turks and Caicos.

With swathes of white sand beaches, balmy temperatures all year round and an abundance of stunning coral reefs, it's no surprise that the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is a highly sought-after holiday destination. The largest island, Providenciales, boasts superlative diving opportunities, the serene Chalk Sound National Park and one of the world's best beaches, Grace Bay, which stretches for 12 miles along the island's southern coast.

TCI has all of the makings of an ultra-secluded, exclusive hideaway, while remaining conveniently located for travellers from the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. It's a quick 75-minute direct flight from Miami - the closest major airport - but the islands also benefit from up to 150 flights per week to other destinations, as well as a seaport connection to the US.

The islands have remained the Caribbean's best-kept secret for years, making them a fantastic choice for vacation investors looking to purchase their own slice of paradise. Moreover, the increased tourist interest of late means that a holiday property can also prove to be a lucrative rental investment, with a steady revenue stream guaranteed for much of the year.

A favourable environment

TCI's open financial system, non-existent income tax and wealth of untapped opportunities make it a natural choice for wise investors. With an S&P sovereign credit rating of BBB+, the island chain has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean, as its economy continues to expand at around three percent, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. TCI is a British Overseas Territory, meaning that it has a strong, effective judicial system based on English common law, which guarantees a safe and secure environment for all residents and tourists. Moreover, there is a commitment to maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, including those set by the OECD and IMF. TCI also uses the US dollar as currency, which provides an additional level of convenience for American visitors.

TCI's strongly pro-business government has recently implemented measures to foster a more inclusive environment for foreign investors, including duty concessions in priority sectors. Ex- change controls have been eliminated, along with all...