Initially the flights will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, converting to daily service on March 6, 2011.

The new service complements the airline's service to other top Caribbean leisure destinations like Aruba, Punta Cana and Nassau. A popular vacation destination, Providenciales (also called Provo) is the most well known of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

While geographically part of the Bahamas chain of islands, Turks and Caicos Islands is a separate country consisting of 40 different islands and cays.

Rigoberto Alvarenga, regional director of Caribbean.at Continental Airlines, said: “We are pleased to offer convenient access to Providenciales, a world-class get-away and an exciting new addition to the list of Caribbean destinations served by Continental and United.”

Ralph Higgs, director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, said: “The Tourist Board is delighted with the new Continental service to the islands from Newark, which is the main airline hub in the northeastern US. This is a step in the right direction for us, and it reinforces the fact that our continued marketing and promotional efforts are paying off.

“Turks and Caicos has the airlift, the attractions, the services and amenities and, more importantly, we have the friendliest personalities that will make each visitor feel welcomed and ensure that they will come to visit us again and again. The Tourist Board is excited that this service will present new travel options for potential visitors and investors, and we join our tourism partners in welcoming Continental Airlines.”

Will the move enhance the airlines' market share?

Have your say and discuss with your peers on the InfoGrok community.

Participate by posting your comments now.