Turks & Caicos Islands’ leading photo/video company launches new “people photography“ website

Tropical Imaging has been the Turks & Caicos Islands’ leading photography and video business for the last thirteen years - but people still can’t get their name right!

Tropical Imaging CEO, Andy Mann, commented: “With so many business in the Caribbean having ’tropical’ in their name, we felt it was time to re-brand ourselves so as to stand out from the crowd - and also to better reflect how our customers are ’Brilliant’ - with a new logo and website - www.brilliant.tc - for the ’people photography’ side of our business”

Tropical Imaging will continue as the overall company name, but it’s expected that clients looking for photo and video coverage of their wedding, or a family portrait or romantic or boudoir photo session in Turks & Caicos, will increasingly look for ’Brilliant’.

“Many of our customers come here for destination weddings - that’s a big part of our business - so making it easy for potential customers to find us online is critical” added Andy. “The new website will be a big part of that. ”

Visit http://www.brilliant.tc for more information

By BARBARA WALKIN, Senior FN Reporter, barbara@nasguard.com

Moving toward fulfilling their aim to provide service throughout the Caribbean and the world, executives of Sky Bahamas invited a delegation of business persons and media pesonnel from Grand Bahama and New Providence to accompany them on a familiarization trip to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Wednesday morning.

During a press conference at the Provo International Airport, Randy Butler, president and CEO of the country’s newest airline, said that while the carrier is awaiting final approval of its applications to make regular trips to TCI, he had the idea to host this one-day event to give the relevant persons an idea of what Sky Bahamas and TCI has to offer.

Butler noted that expanding daily flight services throughout the Caribbean is Sky Bahamas’ ultimate goal.

“So this trip is not only timely, but it is a much needed route,” he added.

“So, today we bought along a number of persons, including media personal, Chamber of Commerce representatives, tour operators and a cross section of businessmen to experience this location with us and hopefully pass their experience on to their counterparts.”

Butler is hopeful that within the next two weeks all of the paperwork would be completed and Sky Bahamas will be granted its final approval to provide regular service between Grand Bahama and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We are hoping to very soon begin flying into Provo with direct flights from Grand Bahama,” he reiterated. Currently, Sky Bahamas flies to Bimini, Abaco, Free-port, Cat Island and Exuma.

Butler noted that the carrier is also working on opening service into Haiti.

“We are not coming into this community to take anything away, we want to add and contribute to TCI,” said Butler. “We want to partner with Turks Islanders to advance their islands, contribute to youth projects, education and other areas.”

Businessman Hadley Forb-es, a native of TCI, who made the trip was excited about the prospect of a direct flight from Grand Bahama to TCI.

“This would be an excellent venture, not only for Sky Bahamas, but for residents and business persons in Grand Bahama and residents and business persons in Provo,” said Forbes.

He noted that currently, unless it is a charter flight, individuals travelling to TCI must go through Nassau. “But, when Sky Bahamas’ service comes on stream that extra flight and cost will be alleviated.”

“So I am very encouraged about this step that Sky Bahamas is taking,” added Forbes.

Sky Bahamas’ Chairman of the Board Peter Turnquest, confirmed that with this inaugural and familiarization flight Sky Bahamas is hoping to expand its services.

“I believe that in this business if you are not expanding you are not growing, and if you are not growing, you’re dying. So we see this connection between Freeport and Providenciales as a natural one, because our communities are so interrelated,” said Turnquest.

He pointed out that there is a large population of Turks Islanders and their descendants in Grand Bahama, and a large population of Bahamians now residing in Turks and Caicos. “So we are hoping to provide a bridge for ease of travel.”

Turnquest noted that with this expansion Sky Bahamas is also hoping to be able to do its part in facilitating the commerce between the two locations. “We think that there is a lot to offer coming from Grand Bahama, as well as the touristic environment they have here in Turks and Caicos.

“And so we think that we will be able to do our part to facilitate that kind of exchange,” he added.

Questioned as to the pricing of tickets, Turnquest simply said, “we are still working that part out, but I can assure potential customers that the prices will be very competitive.”

Sky Bahamas’ SAAB 340, a 32-seater, provided its passengers with a smooth two-hour flight into Provo, leaving Grand Bahama at 11:45 a.m.

The friendly flight crew made the journey even more comfortable, while providing on-board refreshments and snacks.

The flight landed in Provo at 2:00 p.m. and following a press conference at Provo International Airport, the group was taken on a tour of the island, which boasts of being beautiful by nature, had lunch at Seven Stars Resort, before boarding for the return flight to Grand Bahama at 6:05 p.m.

Link to article:  http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/319721309415629.php 

Boasting a brand new website at www.northwestpointresort.com and a host of new and exciting promotions, packages, discounts and value add, this gem in the island of Providenciales is well worth considering for your next Caribbean vacation.

Northwest Point Resort is located on the Northwest shores on the Island of Providenciales. The resort is a convenient 15 minute drive from the Providenciales International Airport, and 20 minutes to most Grace Bay area shops and restaurants.  The resort is located only steps away from the start of the world’s third largest reef system, which produces some of the best snorkeling in the islands. They sits adjacent to the 4,168 acre protected Northwest Point Marine National Park and Nature Preserve with some of the and some of best wall and reef diving in the world.

Recently, the resort announced the following promotions that make it attractive to start packing your bags:

1. 40% off ALL suites!  This offer even lasts throughout the busy holiday season (unheard of before in the Turks & Caicos Islands)
2. FREE CAR RENTAL included in rates!  Get a Toyota Corolla or Camry or something similar when you make reservations, what’s even better is that you get the rental at the airport when you arrive in paradise, so you also save on the taxi fare to get to the resort and back
3. 25% off all dive and snorkel packages!  They’ve teamed up with the island famous Caicos Adventures and make it highly attractive for divers or bubble watchers

Many more options are available including discounts off tours, photography sessions on the beach, weddings, etc.  And, they’ve also recently announced a Thanksgiving Package that can have you for 3 nights, a snorkel excursion, and passes to the world’s only Conch Festival in the neighbouring community of Blue Hills for just $449 plus 10% tax and service charges.

This beachfront resort features casual, spacious Caribbean themed  1- 2 and 3-bedroom suites for your enjoyment and comfort. Almost all units have direct ocean views, overlooking the famous turquoise waters, shimmering white sands and a bountiful coral reef that we call our front yard. The condo style suites include fully equipped kitchens complete with washer/dryers and all have private patios. Guests enjoy tranquility, peace, quiet and natural surroundings that make rest and relaxation all but unavoidable.

The relaxing waters of Turks and Caicos are just footsteps from your front door and we have more than 1,700 feet of beach frontage, and endless undisturbed white sand on either side of the resort to enjoy beach combing for hours. Find one of our hammocks to lie in and listen to the waves, read a book or have an afternoon nap.  Relax with your morning coffee watching the sunrise over the ocean or sip on an afternoon cocktail while watching the waves roll over the reef as the sun sets on yet another perfect day in paradise.

The property features a beautiful relaxing pool and hot tub with plenty of deck space to take in the sun. A restaurant featuring local fare is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, and special arrangements can be made for beach picnics or room service. They also feature a 24-hour fitness facility and spa services can be arranged by appointment. In addition there is complimentary kayaks, volleyball, horseshoes, fishing rods and bikes to explore the many trails around the resort.

If you care to venture off property and enjoy the rest of what our beautiful resort has to offer then ask Mike, the General Manager, or the friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist you in making all the arrangements for you ensuring your vacation is the best ever!

Top local chefs compete in annual celebration of islands’ famous delicacy, “Jazz on the Lawn” at The Somerset, charity road race highlight full weekend of activities.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 8, 2009 - The Sixth Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival is scheduled for the last weekend in November, with a full line-up of events and activities to celebrate the islands’ most famous delicacy, historical icon, and number one export.  The popular beachside event will take place on Saturday afternoon (November 28) in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales, outside of Three Queen’s Bar & Restaurant. Major sponsors include Lime, The Wine Cellar,  PPC, and The Somerset on Grace Bay.   This year, the traditional and culturally-rich festivities extend throughout the weekend with a pre-party at the Somerset on Friday evening and a charity run on Sunday morning.

“We’re excited about another outstanding Festival that showcases our great chefs and celebrates the unique aspects of the Turks and Caicos. It’s an ideal way for visitors to get a sense of our history, culture and diverse tourism offering,” said Mike Sottak, President of the Conch Festival.  “This year the Conch Festival has expanded to add a fine dining component that highlights the culinary destination that the Turks and Caicos has become.   A night of music, wine and gourmet dining at The Somerset will set the stage for the traditional seaside island party in Blue Hills that is the Conch Festival.   Rounding out the weekend is the charity road race being hosted by Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center on Sunday morning.”

The traditional Conch Festival takes place on Saturday, November 28 at Noon in Blue Hills and is highlighted by a conch tasting competition among 25 local restaurants and chefs, various conch-related activities, local entertainment and the annual Pot of Gold drawing where The Rotary Club of Providenciales draws one lucky ticket worth $10,000. 

Friday Night, November 27:  Jazz on the Lawn
Held on the grounds of the luxurious beachfront Somerset Resort on Grace Bay, the Friday evening event features local jazz musicians performing under the stars on the resort’s croquet lawn.  While listening to smooth tunes, guests will enjoy a gourmet conch-themed dinner presented by host chef Lauren Callighen of The Somerset’s O’Soleil restaurant, who will be joined by guest chefs and Conch Festival judges, Dean Max award-winning chef and owner of several highly regarded restaurants in the US and the Caribbean; and Clay Conley, head chef at Azul in Miami’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Saturday, November 28:  Sixth Annual Conch Festival
The weekend kicks into high gear on Saturday, November 28 at Noon in the Blue Hills area.  The marquee event of the weekend is the ‘conch-etition’ , which pits the island’s best chefs against each other in a hotly-contested tasting competition judged by a panel of experts as well as the Festival attendees.  Categories include Best Conch Salad, Best Conch Chowder, Best Specialty Conch, Best Presentation and Best in Show. More than 25 restaurants are expected to compete for the cash prizes and bragging rights this year.  Tasting begins at Noon and runs until 5PM. An entry fee of $20 gives Festival-goers a chance to sample all the dishes entered and cast a vote for Best in Show.

Augmenting the always delectable restaurant competitors is the annual Mojito-making contest sponsored by Bacardi where the island’s best bartenders are on display with their creative twists on this classic Cuban cocktail.   This year’s event also features the Turks and Caicos’ own world-renowned Junk-a-Noo, with two separate rushes. 

Special Conch Competitions for conch blowing, conch knocking and a conch hunt in the sea will assure that chefs and bartenders are not the only ones who can win prizes.  Plus the biggest prize of all will be the cash prize of $10,000 drawn at 5:30 on the day of the festival by the Rotary Club of Providenciales as part of its annual Pot-of-Gold raffle.   Tickets are currently on sale from local Rotarians and will be available on the day of the event.  However, buying tickets early is highly encouraged because only a limited number  are available.

Sunday, November 29:  Run for Charity
To burn off the caloric effects of Friday and Saturday, Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center  is hosting its first annual charity run on Sunday moving, November 29, 2009.  Runners of all levels can enter fun runs of either  5K/3.1 miles or 10K – 6.2miles. The longer race begins at 6:30AM while the 5K race goes off at 7:00AM.  Both races begin and end at Wrightfully Fit near Turtle Cove and wind through the scenic beachfront of Providenciales.  The proceeds from the race will go toward the Provo Children’s Home, a purpose build child care facility being constructed in the Chalk Sound area of the island.  Entry fees are $60 for adults and $30 for children under 18.  Sign up in advance at Wrightfully Fit Fitness Center  (located at the Miramar Resort near Turtle Cove marina) or by calling 941 3311.

About the Conch Festival
The Conch Festival is family-friendly event with plenty of games and activities for the kids, including the Department of Culture and Youth’s David Bowen running his famous kids games on the beach and showcasing local culture.  There will be bouncy castles and cartoon characters, and maybe even a cameo appearance by “you know who” from the North Pole, who comes calling just a month after the Conch Festival.

More information on the Conch Festival can be found at www.conchfestival.com. Special hotel packages for the Conch Festival can be booked through www.discovertci.com

If you still have some vacation time left to use, or are just looking for a quick tropical escape before things get really cold, check out the great end-of-year savings available at West Bay Club.  Or, if you’re into early planning for your Winter or Spring Caribbean vacation, they’ve got something for you too!

For travel until Dec 20, 2009:
EXCLUSIVE LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT OFFER! Enjoy a 35% discount off all suites and $50 Food & Beverage credit, includes daily European breakfast and return airport transfers! (offer not valid on studios; valid for new reservations only)

For travel between Jan 2 to Feb 29, 2010:
FREE NIGHT OFFER! Get every 4th night for FREE or stay for 7 nights and pay for 5. Rates include complimentary return airport transfers as well as European breakfast each morning (offer not valid on studios).

For travel between Mar 1 to Apr 30, 2010:
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT OFFER! Book your Spring trip to Turks & Caicos by October 31, 2009 and enjoy a 30% discount off all suites, includes daily European breakfast and return airport transfers! (offer not valid on studios; 5 night minimum stay required; valid for new reservations only)

For travel between May 1 to Dec 20, 2010:
SECRET SPECIALS! Book 2010 travel early and benefit from even more specials at West Bay Club. Call us to find out what we have in store for you!

Information and/or Reserations toll free at 1-877-774-5486 or at www.discovertci.com/westbayclub