The lengthening of the runway will attract more direct flights from North America and accommodate direct flights from Europe and Asia bringing good news to the tourism industry in Turks and Caicos allowing larger aircraft to fly direct to Providenciales.

The expansion and redevelopment is also great news for local employment. While Dexter Construction, a Canadian company has won the bid to complete the airport expansion, according to John Smith, Chief Executive Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, "Dexter had committed that any equipment that they bring in, barring, I think, two pieces of specialist equipment, they would then employ directly individuals from the Turks and Caicos because they have to satisfy a requirement of a minimum of 70% local involvement. However, with the preliminary work and most of it is clearing and grading which is being done by Cove Construction and others, we have about 95 percent local involvement," Smith said.

Arthur Been, acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Communication, praised the way the TCIAA had handled the tender process. He also highlighted the benefits for the country of the project getting underway.

"This is a further example of how, even in these tough economic times, the TCI government is prioritising investment in key transport infrastructure in a way that means jobs, opportunities and significant business benefits for the people of the TCI."

Other Airport News

Effective Presendents Day weekend 2011, JetBlue intends to launch daily service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) commencing Feb. 17 and seasonal (November - April) Saturday only service beginning Feb. 19 from Bostom Logan Intl (BOS).

New York (JFK) to Provo (PLS): Depart - 9:10 a.m. Arrive - 1:00 p.m.
Provo (PLS) to New York (JFK): Depart - 2:00 p.m. Arrive - 5:40 p.m.

Flights operate daily effective February 17, 2011:

JetBlue's planned schedule between Boston and Provo:

Boston (BOS) to Provo (PLS): Depart -'D0 11:00 a.m. Arrive 2:45 p.m.
Provo (PLS) to Boston (BOS): Depart -'D0 3:40 p.m. Arrive 7:20 p.m.

Continental Airlines also recently announced that it will be adding a new route between Newark and Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The new flight will be launched in February 2011 and will start with four flights a week before going daily on March 6th, 2011.

Just a 90-minute flight from Miami, Turks and Caicos is one of the Caribbean’s more under-the-radar archipelagos and a favorite destination for the rich and famous in search of a discreet escape. On Providenciales, The Sands at Grace Bay resort fronts spectacular Grace Bay Beach – renowned for its 12 miles of powder-white sand — with renovated plantation–style studios and suites. Here, days are spent on the beach, in the calm Caribbean Sea or simply lounging in the hammock-filled coconut groves.

Visit the full article: The Sands at Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

The "Race for the Conch" - slated for Saturday, July 9th 2011 - will be the second organized open water charity swim race in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. With world-class swimmers in attendance, this annual race is held to raise awareness of the valuable ocean and reef systems surrounding the islands and funds support local ocean and reef protection charities. The race consists of both a one-mile and a 2.4 mile race along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, and is open to all competitive and recreational swimmers. There is also a 100 meters children's "Race for the Conch" for swimmers twelve years and younger (all children may participate for free.) For more information about the race including a course map, schedule, pricing and for registration, visit www.ecoseaswim.com.

The Sands at Grace Bay's "Conchtastic" travel offer is valid for stays of three nights or more that fall on July 9th, 2011. Guests who book this offer will receive their 4th night free in addition to two free adult admission tickets to tour the Providenciales Conch Farm, free shuttle transportation to/from the swim race events on July 9th and one complimentary order of conch fritters at Hemingway's Restaurant & Bar. Resort guests will also enjoy access to complimentary Watersports - from kayaks and windsurfing equipment to snorkel gear and Hobie Cats - as well as free bicycle rentals for island exploration.

The "Conchtastic" offer is valid for new bookings of all room categories and is subject to availability at the time of booking. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions, and is not applicable for groups. Guests can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.com and simply select the "Conchtastic" offer when making reservations over the Race for the Conch weekend - or they can toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327.

"The Travelocity Excellence Award” is a testament to The Sands' ongoing commitment to providing only the best experiences for our mutual customers," said Carl Sparks, President and CEO, Travelocity. "We're pleased to name The Sands at Grace Bay as a 2011 winner and look forward to working with their team for many years to come."

"This is a world class group of properties and we are most grateful for the partnership we've forged with Travelocity over the years," said Pierre Beswick, General Manager for The Sands at Grace Bay. "We hope to host the Roaming Gnome in person very soon and have him take his picture next to the plaque."

In addition to receiving a commemorative Roaming Gnome plaque to display at the hotel property, The Sands at Grace Bay will receive a special award designation with an icon adjacent to its property card on all of Travelocity’s global Web sites.

About Travelocity Global

Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip – and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.

Travelocity Contact

Joel Frey
(joel.frey@travelocity.com)
682-605-2178

• $100 OFF the total resort bill
• $100 OFF a Private Half-Day Family Fishing Charter from Ocean Vibes, LTD (Boat accommodates up to 6 ppl. and dad’s can choose between a half-day Bottom Fishing Excursion for $750 or a Deep Sea Fishing Excursion for $850)
• Complimentary case of assorted chilled beer upon arrival
• Complimentary “Surf & Turf” Dinner for dad at Hemingway’s Beachfront Restaurant (worth $58, this meal features fresh Jumbo Shrimp and Black Angus Tenderloin)
• 15% discount towards a Massage or Treatment at Spa Tropique
• Free Shuttle Transportation and Double Up Coupons for The Casablanca Casino

In addition to these free perks & discounts for Dad, all guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay will receive complimentary access to watersports equipment - including the use of kayaks, windsurfing equipment, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats – as well as free bicycle rentals for island exploration.

Boasting an idyllic oceanfront location along Grace Bay Beach and affordable summer rates, father’s will find it incredibly easy to relax, unwind and “de-stress” during their stay at The Sands at Grace Bay. The “De-Stress Dad” Father’s Day family travel offer is valid on all room categories, excluding Gardenview & Courtyard Studio accommodations. The offer is valid for new bookings made for travel between the dates of June 10th – 26th, 2011 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other resort offer or promotion. Families can book this offer online at www.thesandstc.com, using the promo code “DAD” – or they can toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

Families interested in scheduling one of the discounted half-day fishing excursions must contact Ocean Vibes directly at either (649) 231-4961 or toll-free at (877) 258-REEF or by emailing oceanvibes@tciway.tc and request “The Sands at Grace Bay Father’s Day” discount.

The "11/11/11 Wedding of the Decade Package" is priced at $15,000 per couple (based on a wedding party of approximately 60 people) and features the following eleven inclusions:

1. Wedding Ceremony on the beach which includes an elegant ceremony arch, chairs, bougainvillea petals for the aisle walkway and ceremony set-up and decorations (the first couple to reserve can select the 11:11am beachside ceremony time-slot);
2. Private Sunset Cruise with Champagne for up to 35 people;
3. Afternoon/Evening Bonfire on the Beach for the wedding party;
4. A Celebratory Fireworks Display at 11:11pm;
5. Bridal Spa Package which includes the following wedding day salon services for the bride: hair, make-up and manicure & pedicure;
6. Personal Wedding Coordinator to assist in all planning of your dream wedding;
7. Three-Tiered Wedding Cake (serves up to 60 people) and a bottle of champagne;
8. Wedding Ceremony Music (choice of a sax player, flutist or guitar player) for one Hour;
9. Participation by a Pastor or Justice of the Peace;
10. Processing of Legal Documentation & Mailing of Marriage License;
11. Bridal Bouquet & Groom's Boutonniere arranged with locally grown tropical flowers.

The package price does not include accommodations or the rehearsal dinner and reception dining, so that couples can truly customize their dream wedding by selecting their preferred suite, length of stay and may choose from a wide variety culinary delights which range from elegant five-course meals to laid-back beach barbeques. Our legendary Hemingway's Beachfront Restaurant offers an array of catering and dining options for the rehearsal and reception dinners that start at approximately $50 per person. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of wedding and reception service add-on's including photography and videography services, flowers and decoration options, reception DJ and live music entertainment options, equipment and tent rentals and more.

This package will only be offered for up to two couples, with wedding parties up to 60 people per couple. It will be offered on a first-come, first-reserve basis and a 50% deposit of $7,500 will be required at the time of booking. All wedding party guests including the bride/groom will receive an exclusive 11% discount off the resort rack room rates and will have access to complimentary watersports equipment and bicycle rentals during their visit. Interested couples may contact Raymond Yip at ryip@thesandstc.com or call the resort toll-free from the U.S. at (877) 777-263 to receive more information and to make reservations.

About the Sands at Grace Bay

A beach lover's delight, The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach. This gracious, family-friendly 114-room resort offers accommodations in studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings.

Guests also have unlimited access to an ample menu of complimentary Watersports - from kayaks and windsurfing equipment to snorkel gear and Hobie Cats - as well as three free-form pools.. The Sands at Grace Bay is also home of Hemingway's Restaurant and Bar - a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite - where families and guests can gather and enjoy island specialties seven days a week. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are available by appointment. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the resort's indoor fitness center, non-motorized water sports, tennis court, and bicycles as well as complimentary WiFi in the rooms, restaurant and lobby. For more information, visit www.thesandstc.com.

In celebration of the 7th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival taking place November 26-28th, 2010, The Sands at Grace Bay will be offering free transfers to Festival events paired with a 25% rack rate discount and several unique experiences for guests who are “Crazy for Conch.” An optional half-day snorkeling adventure is available at an additional cost, where guests will join the ship’s captain for a fresh Conch salad made from the Conch you catch. Additionally, Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar, the resort’s signature dining location, will be offering a special Conch tasting menu, featuring delicious Conch fritters, crack Conch, Conch salad and Conch chowder to fit with the festival theme. With rates starting at only $139 per night with the 25% discount applied, The Sands at Grace Bay is the perfect place to stay during the island’s 7th Annual Conch Festival weekend.

The 7th Annual Turks & Cacios Conch Festival will take place in Blue Hills, Providenciales and the line-up of family-friendly weekend events includes tasting tents where local restaurants will compete for the best Conch dishes, a Parade of Queens, a variety of live local music, and plenty of kids games, Conch-inspired contests and entertainment. The Festival will end on Sunday, November 28th, with a charity 5K & 10K run with proceeds going to the Provo Children’s Home. For more information on the Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, visit http://www.conchfestival.com/.

The Sands at Grace Bay has partnered with Reef Peepers snorkel and dive facility, located in Turtle Cove Marina, to offer an optional half-day Reef Peepers Snorkeling Adventure for guests who want an underwater Conch encounter. Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel in the barrier reef and swim alongside exquisite tropical fish, colorful coral and Conch in their natural habitat on this half-day snorkeling excursion, which costs $85 per adult and $55 per child (ages 3 – 12.) This price includes roundtrip transportation from the resort to the marina, a ride in a Power Catamaran to the uninhabited cays and secluded beaches around Providenciales, top quality snorkeling equipment, beverages and fresh Conch salad served with chips and salsa. For more information or to book this excursion online, please visit http://www.reefpeepers.com/index.html.

The Sands at Grace Bay’s “Crazy for Conch" weekend travel offer includes the resort’s 25% rack rate discount which is valid for new bookings made on all room categories for travel now through December 21st, 2010, plus free one-way transfers from the resort to the Festival events on both Saturday, November 27th and Sunday, November 28th, 2010. Additionally, Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar will be offering special Conch menu items which will be available for guests to purchase during their stay. The offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions, and is not applicable for groups.

(Pictured: Monica Neumann - General Manager, The Regent Palms, Stan Hartling - CEO The Hartling Group, Pierre Beswick - General Manager, The Sands at Grace Bay.)

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted its second annual ‘Star Awards’ at Beaches on February 25, 2010. It was a night of cheering, excitement and delight for The Hartling Group team as nominees from The Sands at Grace Bay and The Regent Palms received many awards.

The Star Awards ceremony was held to recognize employees and industry partners. All of the winners were chosen by an independent selection committee with the exception of the ‘Hotel Of The Year’ and ‘Hotelier Of The Year’, which were judged by the Tourist Board, the ‘Allied Member Of The Year’, which was judged by TCHTA Board Members and the TCHTA Board of Directors named the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The underlying criteria for the awards were Customer Service and Hospitality and a resort that deserves recognition for their pivotal role in building the tourism industry.

The Hartling Group sends huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners from The Sands and Grace Bay and The Regent Palms that made us so proud.

Congratulations to all our winners!

• Christopher Suerte – Employee of the Year – The Sands at Grace Bay
• Pierre Beswick – Hotelier of the Year – The Sands at Grace Bay
• Stan Hartling - Lifetime Achievement Award – CEO, The Hartling Group

It may be worth planning a family vacation this Spring to The Sands at Grace Bay, which is offering a “Cash In Your Kids” Mother’s Day travel promotion - where moms can receive $100 off the total resort bill, for each kid (16 yrs and younger) they bring to the resort over Mother’s Day. The resort will offer this discount for up to four children, meaning the total savings a mom could receive is $400 off a four-night stay. Treat the mom in your life to a relaxing, rejuvenating Caribbean vacation that she truly deserves, with this special Mother’s Day travel offer!

This “Cash In Your Kids” special offer is available for bookings of 4-nights or more, in either the two or three bedroom suite categories at The Sands at Grace Bay. The bookings must fall on Mother’s Day - May 9, 2010 – to be eligible to receive the discount. For each booking made under these specifications, a $100 discount per child (up to four children max.) will be applied to the total resort bill at the time of checkout. Mother’s must bring a valid I.D. (with Date of Birth indicated – only valid for children 16 years or younger) for each child that she wishes to “cash in” at the end of their stay. The offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. To book this offer, you must request the “Cash In Your Kids” special when making your reservation. For reservations, rates or for more information, call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; online at www.thesandstc.com or contact your travel agent.

A beach lover’s delight, The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on the world-renowned 12-mile crescent of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach. This gracious, family-friendly 112-room resort located on six oceanfront acres offers accommodations in studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet, all of which combine comfort-focused amenities and spectacular natural surroundings. These spacious, family-friend accommodations come complete with big-screen plasma TVs and overstuffed couches for comfortable cartoon-watching, full kitchens for home-cooked meals and plush bedding for extra bounce.

Guests also have unlimited access to an ample menu of complimentary Watersports - from kayaks and windsurfing equipment to snorkel gear and Hobie Cats – as well as three free-form pools for all manner of underwater activities. The Sands at Grace Bay is also home of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar - a legendary beach-side venue and local favorite - where families and guests can gather and enjoy island specialties seven days a week. Spa treatments by Spa Tropique are available by appointment. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the resort’s indoor fitness center, non-motorized water sports, tennis court, and bicycles as well as complimentary WiFi in the rooms, restaurant and lobby.

The Sands at Grace Bay won top honors at the annual Turks & Caicos Star Awards dinner on February 25, 2010. General Manager Pierre Beswick was named “Hotelier of the Year”, Pool & Beach Attendant Christopher Suerte was honored as “Employee of the Year” and the hotel’s developer Stan Hartling, the CEO of The Hartling Group, received the “Lifetime Achievement” award.

Only in its second year, the Star Awards honors local hoteliers and staff for exceptional service and commitment to their community. Applications are submitted by each property and reviewed by a panel of independent judges, except for “Hotelier of the Year” which is voted on by all Hotel Association members.

“I am deeply honored by this award from my peers,” said Pierre Beswick. “It is one thing to receive an award based on a formal judging process but it is even more special when you know that your friends and colleagues have singled you out for such an honor.”

General Manager Pierre Beswick, originally from Jamaica, began his hospitality immediately after graduation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1996. Since then, he has worked in various hospitality-related services and marketing positions in the United States and the Caribbean. Pierre joined The Hartling Group in December of 2004 after five successful years with Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost Group and has served as the General Manager of The Sands at Grace Bay for the past five years.

Employee of the Year winner, Christopher Suerte has worked for The Sands at Grace Bay since May 2007 and has emerged as a leader in the Pool & Beach Department. Christopher receives many personal mentions in praises from the guest. In addition to his outgoing leadership skills and being of help to his teammates, Christopher is very active in the community. He has received many awards during his time here including Employee of the Year due to his excellent and exemplary performance in 2007, Certificate of Excellence for 2009, and Employee of the Month August 2008.

It is unusual to have a sweep of the top honors in any awards program. It is even more deeply gratifying when the man responsible for it all receives recognition for a lifetime of achievement and devotion to the industry and destination that he now calls home. Canadian by birth, Stan Hartling got his start in property development and management in 1985. Since moving to Providenciales full-time nine years ago, Stan has nurtured relationships with local government and other entrepreneurs, and is a committed supporter of his community.

In 1996, Stan purchased an initial beachfront parcel of land on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, on which he planned to develop a 90-unit condominium resort. He acted as general contractor on The Sands at Grace Bay, using reputable construction firms and ensuring internal control over the project's timing and expenditures. The Sands opened in December 1998 and today it is one of the most successful resorts in the region with solid year-over-year revenue growth. One of two pioneering projects in the mid-1990s, many developers strive to emulate The Sands' model.

As CEO and lead partner, Stan Hartling plays a vital role in all aspects of The Hartling Group's development projects - from initial design, feasibility studies, financing and promotion, to grand openings and the ongoing operations of each project. Stan also owns and operates Hartling Reality, a licensed real estate brokerage firm in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Stan prides himself on building strong relationships with his partners, individual investors and his staff, as demonstrated during 16 years as a successful property developer. To ensure continued success, he has recruited a senior management team who bring a wealth of international experience in luxury hotel operation, property development and property management. The Hartling Group employs nearly 350 staff throughout its resorts and other operations.