Turks and Caicos to build a $35 million cruise ship terminal

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Carnival Cruise Lines and the Turks and Caicos Islands government have partnered to construct a $35 million cruise ship terminal that will be located on the island capital of Grand Turk.

Chief Minister Michael Misick announced that construction of the cruise terminal should start in April 2004 and the first cruise passengers should arrive in time for the 2005 winter season.

During a recent signing ceremony at Carnival's Florida headquarters Misick said the terminal will be an economic boost to Grand Turk, which is ranked as one of the world's top ten dive destinations. It will also add diversity to the country's tourism product, he said.

Misick said that the new facility will allow the Turks and Caicos Islands to compete with other popular cruise ship destinations such as the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas.

"When completed, this cruise ship terminal will forever transform Grand Turk. It is expected to create a significant number of jobs and other opportunities, not only for the people of the Grand Turk but for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on a whole," he added.

Giora Israel of Carnival Cruise Lines said they took a proactive approach in securing this project for the Turks & Caicos Islands and were eager to proceed with the development of a unique port that was befitting of the destination. 

The terminal will be able to accommodate several mega-ships and will also house shops that will be owned and operated by locals.

Grand Turk, in the southeast of the island chain, has lagged behind in development compared to northern island of Providenciales, familiarly known as Provo, which attracts mainly high-end American tourists and wealthy investors.

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