"The beaches and diving there have been voted some of the finest globally, while its properties and secluded hideaways attract accolades worldwide. With such a world class offering, the islands are a fitting venue for next year’s World Travel Awards 13th Annual Gala Ceremony on 20th September, 2006."

Transformed from a sleepy fishing and farming community in the Caicos islands, and salt raking in the Turks Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands is now a shining beacon , with a rapidly expanding tourism sector.

Brainchild of British entrepreneur, Graham Cooke, World Travel Awards dates back to 1993, with the event being hosted in different destinations from New York to London, St. Lucia and Barbados and now the Turks and Caicos Islands. Voting is done online by 156,000 travel agencies worldwide.

Global Sales Director, World Travel Awards, James Khan

World Travel Awards acknowledges and celebrates those organizations that have made the greatest contribution to the global tourism and travel trade. It also recognizes those who are driving the industry to greater heights and innovations.

When contacted for his reaction, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Floyd Hall, said, “This is positive. It affords us an opportunity to showcase the Turks and Caicos Islands to the wider world; let them see for themselves, a product of high standard and the unparalleled friendliness of our people. I know the Chief Minister is extremely delighted to host this event – a first for the Turks and Caicos. It is a great honor for us to host this event.”

For his part, the Director of Tourism, Lindsey Musgrove said “This is good news. Let this hit the front pages, the wires and every magazine, the Turks and Caicos has arrived. I am inviting our tourism partners to prepare themselves and make use of the enormous potential exposure."