Ecotourism In Turks And Caicos: Welcome To The Garden Island

• Published date: 30 October 2022
• Subject Matter: Government, Public Sector, Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment, Inward/ Foreign Investment, Hotels & Hospitality
• Law Firm: Invest Turks And Caicos
• Author: Mr Invest Turks And Caicos

The peaceful and secluded island of North Caicos is well-placed to benefit from the growing trend of ecotourism, and developers are being sought to help meet the demand for accommodation.

Turks and Caicos is catching the eye of tourists in the ecotourism sector thanks to its white-sand beaches, stunning diving sites, exciting water sports, and chances for close encounters with distinctive wildlife.

Specifically, the island of North Caicos is regarded as the ideal location for an ecotourism hub. Known as the Garden Island, North Caicos provides peaceful seclusion for eco-minded tourists seeking a relaxing break where they can enjoy all that nature has to offer in a tropical paradise.

North Caicos spans 41 square miles, located 12 miles north-east and a mere 30-minute ferry ride from Providenciales, the luxury tourism hotspot of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Yet the identity of North Caicos is far different to its busier neighbour. The secluded island features a protected marine nature reserve, rich in mangrove trees and sheltered fish nurseries, as well as a colony of native flamingos. Alongside the untouched, sprawling acres of rugged nature, North Caicos is home to the Turks and Caicos' most historical sites dating back to the Loyalist days of the late-1700s. This combination of historical and cultural features with unspoiled natural beauty creates a unique first-mover opportunity for investors to establish a picturesque ecotourism development.

"You can almost get lost in this peaceful environment. You don't have people running up and down everywhere. It's kind of like being on an African safari and being the only person out there," says the Honourable E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the minister responsible for investment.

When exploring North Caicos, it is rare to encounter anyone else when walking off the beaten track on one of the island's many trails and there is minimal traffic on the roads.

"You can drive through North Caicos and perhaps pass only one other car on the road. That's how quiet and peaceful it is. That seclusion of the island makes it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts who want to relax and have an unstructured getaway," explains Angela Musgrove, acting CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, a government agency that facilitates foreign direct investment in the islands. "North Caicos is known for its lush greenery, flamingos and its tranquillity. The acres and acres of arable land on North Caicos makes...