TORONTO — The Turks and Caicos Islands is making “a strong and speedy recovery” following the passage of Hurricane Irma earlier this month.

With a more eastern track, Hurricane Maria did little to delay the rebuilding, and additional damage was minimal across most of the TCI’s eight inhabited islands, according to the latest update from the tourism board.

Currently, water and power have been restored in Providenciales, North & Middle Caicos and South Caicos and workers are tirelessly addressing those pending on other islands.

All roads on these islands have been cleared and as of Sept. 23 Providenciales International Airport and Grand Turk International airport were back to full operation and all flights in and out have resumed.

“Hoteliers are on schedule with their repairs and annual off-season maintenance schedules in preparation for re-opening, and have demonstrated their support for the welfare of their workers and the greater community as a whole,” said Hon. Ralph L. Higgs, Turks and Caicos Islands Minister of Tourism.

A number of hotels and resorts are already welcoming guests, including Seven Stars, The Atrium, Caribbean Paradise Inn, Grace Bay Suites, The Sands, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Somerset.

Also open are Windsong, The Shore Club, The Palms, Regent Grand, Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club, Villa Del Mar, The Venetian, The Tuscany and Reef Residences.

Additional hotels have set opening dates that run now through the end of the year as follows:

Oct. 5: Gansevoort
Oct. 9: Blue Haven, Beach House, Alexandra
Oct. 12: Ocean Club West
Oct. 16: Coral Gardens
Oct. 20: Amanyara
Nov. 1: Royal West Indies, Meridian Club
Nov. 20: Ocean Club
Nov. 25: Ports of Call
Nov. 30: Club Med
November (TBD): Point Grace
Dec. 14: Beaches
December TBD: Sail Rock

Shops and restaurants are also largely open and welcoming local guests and visitors through their doors, says the tourism board.

Some of the more popular among tourists that are already open include Coco Bistro, Fresh Catch, Mango Reef and Danny Buoys restaurants. IGA Gourmet supermarket, Royal Jewels and all shops at the Regent Village are also open.

“Our tourism product will continue to evolve from the experiences we have undergone, affording us the opportunity to be more creative and innovative with the goods and services we offer,” said Higgs, adding: “We are open to serve you. The Turks & Caicos Islands that the world has grown to love is still here for you to come and enjoy – our casual, luxe lifestyle, our friendly people and our warm hospitality are all waiting for you.”

Meanwhile with the passing of both Irma and Maria the British Virgin Islands “are forging ahead”, with dedicated efforts being put toward recovery and relief across the entire territory.

The BVI Tourist Board says it remains focused on rebuilding a stronger territory and tourism product, “inclusive of its uncompromising hospitality and unparalleled luxury offerings”.

The BVI Tourist Board and Government officials on the ground are continuing their full assessment of the tourism industry, and say they will share updates as they become available.

Several charter operators that have announced they will be operating during the winter 2017/2018 season including The Moorings, Marine Max Vacations and Festiva Sailing in December 2017, and Horizon Yacht Charters in January 2018.

“Through the BVI Ports Authority, we are on a fast track towards the restoration of Tortola Pier Park’s cruise and shopping facility with a targeted date of reopening at least 50 percent of retail and food and beverage stores by Nov. 1, 2017,” said Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Minister of Communications and Works. Tortola Pier Park was recently named the 2017 Port of the Year by Seatrade Cruise Global. The Anegada Lobster Festival is also back and will take place in November.

A majority of the hotels in the territory are currently closed and will share updates after more extensive assessments in the coming weeks.

BVI notes that nearby Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas reopened Sept. 28, and BVI ferry companies (Road Town Fast Ferry and Native Son) are back to operating between the islands allowing BVI Islanders (Belongers), residents and work permit holders to return to the country.

The British Virgin Islands’ London and New York offices remain in contact with the government and will share further updates as they become available.

“We truly appreciate the support and assistance from around the world during this difficult time. Despite the damage that the territory faces as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the people of the BVI are resilient and fully committed to working side by side in rebuilding a stronger, beautiful territory for everyone,” said Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “Continue to keep us in your prayers as we focus on the recovery of the BVI in the months ahead. We are ONE BVI.”

Anyone looking to support the BVI’s rebuilding efforts is asked to visit pledgeling.us/bvi or text “BVI” to 707070 to donate to the BVI Recovery Fund.

For voluntourism opportunities agents can put clients in touch with the BVI Tourist Board NYC Office.

The BVI Facebook page has real-time updates on the destination’s recovery efforts: facebook.com/BritishVirginIs