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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands -- A potential new $3 million world class visitor attraction investment has been granted a business licence by the Turks and Caicos Islands government it was announced on Thursday.

One of the Caribbean’s leading tourism brands, Dolphin Cove, has revealed ambitious plans to open its fifth ‘swim with the dolphins’ park in the Cooper Jack area of Providenciales. If approved it plans to open in Spring 2013.

Dolphin Cove Jamaica picked up the top award as the Caribbean’s leading adventure excursion operator at the World Travel Awards ceremony held last month, coincidentally held in the Turks and Caicos.

This project has been granted a business licence to operate, but it still requires to complete all of the necessary planning and environmental impact studies. The company is in ongoing discussions with Department of Agriculture’s Environmental and Maritime Affairs officials to ensure that it complies with planning and the highest welfare standards. The company is seeking to lease Crown Land.

Dolphin Cove already operates to the animal welfare standards required in the United States relating to marine mammals in captivity. During 12 successful years of operation, Dolphin Cove Jamaica has also demonstrated a strong contribution to dolphin educational and conservation programmes. It is now seeking to extend this world class service and unforgettable experience of interacting with these amazing marine mammals to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This is potentially a very exciting development for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Governor Ric Todd. “It is further confirmation of what we already know – that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a very attractive place in which to do business.

“The economy here is in good shape. Gross Domestic Product was over 4% last year, the envy of many nations around the world. Indeed, both inward investors and locally based firms are continuing to invest here.

“Although, clearly still subject to a number of permissions, we believe that the Dolphin Cove development would significantly complement the tourism offer here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Further, we have a number of extremely positive leads being dealt with by our Investment Unit and are hopeful of further announcements being made soon.”

Other recent investment activity in the Turks and Caicos Islands includes:

• Fuel supply firm Rubis investing $20 million in the Territory

• The expansion of the world class Amanyara resort following their leasing of additional Crown Land

• Beaches conducted a $4 million refurbishment and maintenance programme

• An $8.4 million investment by the GU-Med medical school

• $10 million being invested in upgrading Providenciales International Airport

• A new $15 million private aircraft facility is also being built at the airport

• Communications giant Digicel investing $8 million in its infrastructure

• A new $10 million Chevrolet dealership

• The opening of the Santa Maria Gaming Parlour, Grand Turk

• The opening of Cuban Crafters, Providenciales

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