In an interview conducted with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Ramon Andrews, director of tourism for Turks and Caicos, said the destination has only sustained minimal damage, such as minor flooding and structural damage, including blown off roofs, as Hurricane Irma reached the island Thursday night.
“Everyone is reporting in from the hotel side of things that everything is ok and there is no loss of life,” says Andrews. “The area I have been in has had a bit of flooding, but nothing significant.”
Andrews did note, however, that the island has yet to receive the “All Clear” notice from the Department of Disaster Management and Emergency.
The Turks and Caicos Collection, which represent three luxury hotels in the destination, issued a statement saying its properties are all fine.
“All guests and staff of our three resorts, Blue Haven Resort, Alexandra Resort and Beach House are reported safe and unharmed,” according to the statement. “Given the damage sustained on island, all guests are remaining on property pending further instructions from the authorities on the conditions of roads, electrical service and the status of Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which is currently closed. The resorts have sufficient supplies, food and water to care for all guests in the interim.”
According to Sandals Resorts International, as as Friday morning, Beaches Turks & Caicos, will not receive any new arrivals until September 21.
“Beaches Turks & Caicos can now report that following the passing of Hurricane Irma, the strongest storm ever reported in the Atlantic Ocean, all guests and staff are safe and comfortable on resort,” according to a Beaches spokesperson.
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, Irma is now a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph.
The storm is set to pass near the north coast of Cuba and the central Bahamas today and Saturday, and to be near the Florida Keys and southern Florida peninsula Sunday morning.
While the storm is likely to fluctuate in strength over the next day or to, it is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 hurricane as it approaches Florida.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more Hurricane Irma updates and be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.
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