Provo tops the world

VACATIONERS are extremely pleased with the beauty, tranquillity and the hospitality of the Turks and Caicos Islands, so much so that Providenciales has been rated travellers’ choice number one island by TripAdvisor.

The accolade of world’s top island was announced on Tuesday (April 21) to much excitement and happy greetings by the Government, the Opposition, Belongers and residents across social media and the airwaves.

In a Government press statement on Wednesday, Minister of Tourism Porsha Stubbs-Smith stated: "This is an excellent testament of the hard work by staff of the Tourist Board and across the departments in promotion of the TCI brand.”

She said it speaks volumes of the country’s tourism industry which is vital to the economy.

"The only way is up for tourism of these beautiful by nature Islands.”

The minister congratulated the team of the Tourist Board for "their endless contribution and hard work,” and pledged continued support to the board and the promotion of the TCI brand.

The People’s Democratic Movement also conveyed congratulations to all stakeholders in the tourism industry who contributed consistently to the high standards and well-kept beauty of the country’s beaches.

"Your dedication to our brand does not go unnoticed - not by us or by our many visitors,” the party said.

Sean Astwood, Shadow Minister for Tourism and Trade, stated: "We are delighted that our Islands continue to attract visitors and garner accolade after accolade.

"The many team players and stakeholders ought to be saluted.

"May we all continue to invest our time and our national pride in our number one industry.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands has seen tremendous exposure over the past months with the release of the annual resonance report which rated the TCI as the top destination in the Caribbean in addition to winning the Global Travellers Leisure Travel Award for best beaches.

As posted on TripAdvisor about the accolade, Providenciales is loved for its diving and snorkelling, which are described as stunning, thanks to miles of coral reef that is easily accessible from the shore.

Also, the upscale resorts and captivating beachscapes of Grace Bay make it a popular choice for waterfront escapes.

The cliffs and crags of Chalk Sound make a lovely backdrop for kayaking the bright turquoise waters.

This year, Providenciales ascended from last year’s number two spot, usurping Ambergris Caye in Belize from its two years-long top spot.

CNN.com quotes TripAdvisor spokeswoman Julie Cassetina on the cause of the upset.

"It’s hard to say, as winners change from year to year based on feedback from travellers,” she said.

She added: "Similar to last year and 2013, winning islands were determined using an algorithm that looked at the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and opinions for hotels, attractions and restaurants on each island gathered during a 12-month period.”

Only two more of 2014’s top 10 islands appeared on this year’s global list.

Ko Tao, Thailand, gained five spots this year, moving up from number 10 last year, while Bora Bora dropped from number three last year to rank ninth, CNN.com reported.

The world’s top 10 islands for 2015 are as follows: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Maui, Hawaii; Roatan, Honduras; Santorini, Greece; Ko Tao, Thailand; Madeira, Portugal; Bali, Indonesia; Mauritius, Africa; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; and Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.