Pokemon Go on Vacation

With much of the outside world seems to be preoccupied with Politics, Police or Pokemon life in the Turks and Caicos seems pretty quiet in comparison. The islands are home to a little over thirty thousand local residents but with tourism so popular we see over a million visit our shores throughout the year. It's home to some of the best beaches in the world and even during the slower Summer months, international visitors can be seen strolling along Grace Bay, kite-boarding across Long Bay or grabbing lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

There is plenty of talk about Brexit among the European contingency and of course Trump is on the mind of many, being such close neighbours to the U.S. But there is something else, which may not be immediately apparent, but none the less is captivating our guests from overseas...Pokemon.

Pokemon working on their tan on Grace Bay Beach - image by JessB2387

Yes, it would seem that despite not being available on the Turks and Caicos App-Store (I've been looking) there are loads of the little chaps sunning themselves on our beaches or cooling down in the resorts. Ordinarily, visitors are content to relax on the beach with the only hand-held "device" being a beer or a mixed drink but since Pokemon Go launched, it seems many have gone on vacation, and they are hiding out in the Turks and Caicos.

Pokemon grabbing a rum punch at Da Conch Shack - images by JessB2387

There are a handful of local residents with access to the US or UK App Store, and they've been cleaning up at local hotspots like Da Conch Shack and the Golf Course while many are still hiding out at our many luxury resorts. Amanyara and Parrot Cay are celebrity favourites for their five-star service and private villas while Beaches and Club Med are more popular with the all-inclusive crowd. From what I've heard they're an untapped source of Pokemon so if you are there, or considering a trip, don't forget your phone.

Pokemon enjoying a swim on Leeward Beach - Image by JessB2387

Pokemon getting ready for a round of 18 at Provo Golf Club - Image by JessB2387

Pokemon checking into Beaches Resort - Image by JessB2387

While Pokemon Go may not be available yet on the Turks and Caicos App Store, visitors and residents with the right home address are free to download and play along to "catch them all". A friend of mine in Dubai was quick to point out the benefits of using some of the in-app purchases to lure nearby Pokemon to your place of business, with hopes that potential customers follow suit. I for one have seen quite a few Pokemon hanging around Paradise Scooters so if you happen to be in Grace Bay it's worth wandering over to see what you can find. I also hear their tours are a great way to find some of the rarer Pokemon hiding out on Providenciales. Thanks again to JessB2387 for her work in catching so many this last week, if you are abroad and considering a visit to the islands, the sooner the better before they are all gone.