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Turks & Caicos Hotels European Plan
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Introduction to Turks & Caicos
Directly north of Haiti and the Dominican
Republic, the islands lie at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the
Americas. Technically, this obscure outpost is not in Caribbean
waters, but on the fringe of the Atlantic.
Grand Turk and Salt Cay (which constitute the Turks
Islands) and Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos) are ports of entry, while the major
island to visit is Provo.
The Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) are a coral-reef
paradise, largely shut off from the world, free of pollution and crowds. Even
with the advent of real tourist development and the bustle of construction,
particularly in Provo, the beauty and tranquillity of this little island chain
remain intact. They're still off the beaten track, and they're not right for
travelers who want lots of glitzy facilities or nightlife. You won't find the
highly refined tourist infrastructure that exists in the Bahamas, but that's the
appeal for some travelers.
What's beginning to put Turks & Caicos on the map
is an incredible array of beaches -- 362km (224 miles) worth, to be precise.
Some stretches of soft white sand run for miles; others are small, hidden in
secluded coves. The islands are also home to some of the world's most
magnificent underwater life. For years, divers and snorkelers have enjoyed the
countless varieties of brilliant coral and colorful fish that thrive within
TCI's nearly 805km (499-mile) pristine reef system.
Turks & Caicos are mainly self-governing today.
Queen Elizabeth selects a governor to be her representative in island affairs,
and this governor appoints the chief minister who, in turn, appoints minor
ministers.
Additional Information about travel to Turks & Caicos
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With the pre- and post-millennium growth of Turks & Caicos (Kayk-us)
Islands, people no longer ask, Turks and Who? A Gallup poll in the late
1990s found that the small island nation of Turks & Caicos had the least
name recognition in the world. That is no longer true. Since sun worshippers
discovered the islands, especially Providenciales -- nicked "Provo" in the
early '90s -- more and more vacationers are flocking to the islands. A
"second Bahamas" in the making is clearly becoming a reality. Provo since
2000 has become the fastest growing destination in the Caribbean. The
islands are part of the Bahamian archipelago, and once in their history,
they were governed by The Bahamas. Lying to the east of the southernmost
islands of The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos are self-governing today, although
under the protection of Great Britain.
