This compares to 50% average annual occupancy in 2004, and 58% in 2001, the next highest year since the association began keeping records.

TCI hotels set single-month records in six of the 12 months of 2005, including March of 2005 when occupancy soared to an average of 82% for the month, an all-time single month high.

“The occupancy levels for 2005 are impressive, both in terms of the 10% increase over 2004 as well as the all-time mark we achieved. Improving our occupancy percentages over the earlier years of this decade is especially noteworthy given the increase in the amount of inventory we have now compared to then,” said Andre Niederhauser, chairman of the TCHTA board of directors.

“The results from this past year are a testament to the growing popularity we are enjoying as a destination, and the quality product we have to offer the worldwide tourism market.”

In 2005, three major resorts added rooms to the Turks & Caicos inventory, including the Palms, Le Vele and an expansion at the Alexandria.

“In the coming year we will have even more rooms coming on line so we expect this momentum to continue. With the addition of several new flight options and an increase in general visibility for our islands, we are confident are members will continue to see growth and success in the coming years,” noted Caesar Campbell, CEO of TCHTA.