Tunes and Turks

The Caribbean and nearby islands in the Atlantic are a happening place for music tourism. We mentioned the Cayman Jazz Fest in June. Jam Cruise 3 sails for the Bahamas in January.

Now we get word about a new festival - The Turks and Caicos Music and Poetry Festival - September 1-5, on Providenciales Island, in the Turks and Caicos. What - you've never heard of the Turks and Caicos? The only reason I had is that they are a destination in my RCI Timeshare book, and I thought it was a very peculiar name and must have something to do with the Ottoman Dynasty. But no, I was wrong:

    The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles (or 75 minutes) southeast of Miami. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system and the best tropical beaches in the world, making it a premier beach, diving and snorkelling destination and an ideal location for romance, family vacations, ecotourism and adventure seekers, which is probably why 60% of our visitors come back over and over again.

    American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Air Canada and British Airways offer direct routes from Miami, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto and London. In addition those wishing to travel from within the region can make it easy by flying with BahamasAir, Air Jamaica Express, SkyKing and Air Turks & Caicos from Nassau, Montego Bay, Puerto Plata, Cap Haitien or Cuba.

    One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the pristine white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complemented with crystal clear turquoise waters. The islands are relatively flat but vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos along with several other fascinating cays are uninhabited. People on the islands known as "Belongers" are known for their friendly spirit, which helps ensure this is a destination that helps people de-stress, feel comfortable and truly relax.

    The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the country is also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the Turks and Caicos islands on South Caicos in particular. The island of Providenciales is our main tourist island, you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings with most of them being located on the beach as well as world class spas and cuisine. Native dishes such as fresh fish and peas and rice are served along with international cuisine with tropical twists, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual, rustic and intimate accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

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Article Author: Eric Olsen

Career media professional Eric Olsen is honored to be the founder and former publisher of Blogcritics.org, and former publisher of Technorati.com, which both rule. He is now editor, co-founder, and CEO of The Morton Report.

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