TCHTA Opens 2026 with Industry Insights, Advocacy Updates, and a Focus on Sustainable Growth

Members of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) opened 2026 with the first General Meeting, setting a clear and purposeful tone for the year ahead through updates on advocacy, sustainability, industry collaboration, and long-term destination development.

Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA

Held at Blue Haven Resort, the meeting saw a series of strategic updates from key committees, perspectives on the evolving tourism and real estate landscape, and a forward-looking overview of signature events, marketing opportunities, training initiatives, and member engagement programmes planned for 2026.

TCHTA President James McAnally delivered an advocacy update, reaffirming the Association’s continued engagement with public- and private-sector stakeholders on matters critical to the tourism industry and national development.

“Our role as an Association is to remain proactive, informed, and engaged on behalf of our members,” said McAnally. “Strong advocacy and collaboration are essential to ensuring that tourism continues to deliver long-term value for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Committee updates formed a central part of the meeting, with the Sustainable Tourism Committee outlining a forward-looking agenda for 2026 focused on environmental awareness, waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and industry collaboration on responsible tourism practices.

Andrew Ashcroft, President of the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association

The committee highlighted the continuation of TCI Shines, the Association’s bi-annual clean-up programme, alongside campaigns aligned with global environmental observances and coordinated industry participation. Animal welfare was also underscored as a key priority area for 2026, recognising its importance to destination image, visitor experience, and overall community wellbeing.

An example of industry-led action was shared, with a representative from Grace Bay Resorts outlining the group’s transition away from plastic bottled water to canned water, implemented in partnership with local manufacturer, Provo Beverages. The initiative was presented as a practical and replicable approach to reducing single-use plastics within the tourism sector.

“The focus for 2026 is on practical action and collaboration,” said Craig James, Co-Chair of the TCHTA Sustainable Tourism Committee. “Through coordinated initiatives, awareness campaigns, and industry participation, we are working to strengthen responsible tourism practices in ways that support our environment, our communities, and the long-term resilience of the destination.”

James McAnally, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA)

The meeting’s featured guest speaker, Mr. Andrew Ashcroft, President of the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association, delivered a high-level overview of the evolving real estate landscape and its relationship to tourism performance. His remarks addressed the continued maturation of the Providenciales market, the expansion of development beyond traditional areas, and growing interest in walkable, mixed-use communities that enhance both resident and visitor experiences. He also noted the increasing relevance of the outer islands as part of the next phase of national growth.

“Tourism and real estate are fundamentally linked,” said Ashcroft. “The strength of the tourism product, the quality of the hotel sector, and the work of the Association all underpin long-term confidence, value creation, and national development.”

An official update from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) was conveyed by TCHTA Chief Executive Officer, Stacy Cox, outlining the current status of airport redevelopment planning.

As the meeting moved toward its conclusion, a forward-looking review of the TCHTA’s 2026 calendar set out the Association’s signature events, marketing initiatives, training opportunities, and webinars designed to support member visibility, professional growth, and industry alignment throughout the year.

TCHTA Members at the meeting

As the tourism industry enters 2026, the TCHTA reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to government and industry, with a continued focus on advocacy, sustainability, collaboration, and ensuring that growth across tourism, real estate, and infrastructure remains aligned with the long-term interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands.