New cruise arrivals at the island of Grand Turk

Grand Turk’s outstanding cruise tourism numbers for the first half of 2023 have been unveiled and they are quite impressive indeed. In a period of 6 months, Grand Turk has seen an impressive 143 ships, which represents a 10.9 per cent increase from the same timeframe in the previous year.

An astounding figure, 491,806 cruise passengers have arrived at the island’s beautiful shores, chalking up to a significant 51.7 per cent increase in visits.

The United States of America continues to be the primary source market, accounting for an impressive 444,832 cruise arrivals. This statistic is a sign of the extraordinary 90.45 per cent surge the island has seen, compared to the same period in the prior year.

Canada, another critical source market, recorded 27,228 passengers during the initial half of 2023, reflecting a 5.54 per cent rise in cruise arrivals.

The United Kingdom, another important market on the list, brought in 6,873 cruise arrivals, indicating a modest 1.40 per cent growth from the previous year.

With an impressive 11 per cent increase in arrivals, South America brought in 2,360 cruise tourists during the same time period.

Over all, a quite impressive uptick was observed in the Caribbean market, with a 29 per cent growth rate, amounting to 1,466 passengers in total.

And, cruise arrivals from other regions around the world amounted to a sum total of 9,047, depicting a steady 1.84 per cent rise in the figures this year.

Grand Turk’s stature in this regard was on full display when two cruise ships made their inaugural stops in Grand Turk. These were The Carnival Venezia, a Vista-Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, on June 23, and the exclusive adult-only ship, Scarlet Lady by Virgin Voyages, on August 20, carrying an elated bunch of tourists, with a count of 2,778.

Josephine Connolly, the Minister of Tourism, who handles Grand Turk, expressed her delight in the following statement: “The growth observed in the early months of 2023 emphasizes the allure of the island of Grand Turk as a prime cruise destination. This achievement mirrors the combined efforts of the devoted community, enterprising businesses, and the entire cruise sector. We are all committed to crafting unforgettable moments for visitors while safeguarding the island’s natural and cultural treasures.”

These figures and the general perception of the island of Grand Turk is consistently on the rise and is a reflection of how well the island is doing as a tourist attraction, especially for cruises.

Most tourists who approach the island are delighted by the beauty and revelry on offer. These facilities have helped Grand Turk garner a reputation, as a must-see island in the Caribbean for enthusiast and casual travelers alike.