Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 17, 2025 – Island Mystique, a cultural tourism brand founded in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is entering an exciting phase of international growth, thanks to support from Invest Turks and Caicos Islands.
Following her recognition as the most outstanding participant in Invest TCI’s Accelerator Programme, founder Mary Fulford was selected to represent the agency at DMZ’s YYZ Programme in Toronto, a prestigious opportunity that provided access to global networks, mentorship, and strategic market insights.
The experience served as a launchpad for Island Mystique to explore new markets, forge luxury partnerships, and strengthen its position as a story-rich, experience-first brand designed for high-net-worth travellers.
Ms. Fulford had the opportunity to connect with key tourism stakeholders and a range of entities, including 3 Apples High, Destination Canada, Niagara Tourism, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Niagara Parks Commission, and others.
This experience provided a platform to explore frameworks for cultural infrastructure investment, heritage preservation, and place-based storytelling. In parallel, this reinforced the creative foundation needed to position Island Mystique as an experience-first, emotionally resonant brand. Conversations explored the potential for luxury partnerships, including co-branded pop-up events, immersive cultural dinners, and elevated guest experiences targeting high-net-worth travellers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In addition to the core programme, Ms. Fulford was invited to serve as a panellist at the Black Innovation Breakfast, hosted by the DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University. The high-level discussion focused on navigating burnout as a Black founder and the development of sustainable innovation through best practices. Drawing from her own experience, Ms. Fulford shared insights on sustainable tourism models, community-rooted entrepreneurship, and highlighted the importance of culturally relevant support systems for Black innovators. Her participation amplified the mission of Island Mystique and elevated international recognition of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ emerging innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the impact of Invest TCI’s ongoing support.
Through Invest TCI’s Accelerator Programme, Ms. Fulford gained practical insights into experience-driven branding, tech-forward guest engagement, and cultural placemaking. The programme has helped to reinforce her commitment to building a sustainable and story-rich tourism model. As a result, Ms. Fulford has successfully upgraded her business website, improving its functionality and visibility. She also intends to embrace AI solutions to personalize guest experience while maintaining an authentic human interaction.
Ms. Fulford stated “Being selected as the most outstanding participant in the accelerator programme by Invest TCI to represent the YYZ Programme in Toronto was an honour, and a turning point for both myself and Island Mystique,” She continued, “This experience unlocked access to global leaders in tourism, tech, and placemaking, and sparked powerful ideas that will directly shape how we grow cultural tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am deeply grateful to Invest TCI and DMZ for believing in this vision and supporting me.”
The success of Island Mystique underscores the value of Invest TCI’s commitment to empowering high-potential entrepreneurs with global opportunity and practical tools to scale. Fulford’s achievements in Toronto are a testament to what’s possible when local innovation meets global connection.
Judith Guerrier, Business Advisor at Invest TCI mentioned that “Mary’s recognition and international participation are clear examples of what Invest TCI’s programmes aim to deliver. Her story shows what happens when vision meets opportunity and why it is so important to keep investing in entrepreneurs who are ready to lead not only locally, but on a global stage.”
Ms. Fulford’s participation in the YYZ Programme aligns with Invest TCI’s mandate to elevate local entrepreneurs by providing access to international exposure, strategic networks, and real-world business knowledge. The organization remains committed to supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding their reach to global markets and opportunities.
Invest TCI will continue to build strategic partnerships that position local businesses for success. The agency’s focus remains on advancing impactful collaborations that strengthen the local business landscape and position TCI entrepreneurs for global success.
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About Invest Turks and Caicos
Invest Turks and Caicos is the Islands’ Investment Promotion Agency, responsible for enhancing the economy through the attraction, growth and retention of overseas investment; and supporting the growth of local businesses.
We provide a free and confidential service to overseas businesses looking to expand and will work with a company project team throughout the investment process, providing advice and support. This can include:
– Information on the local business climate;
– facilitating contact with relevant Government Departments throughout the investment process;
– advice on Government incentives and concessions to investors;
– introductions to local service providers/suppliers;
– advice on work permits and permanent residency procedures;
– ongoing support following set up.
We also work actively to support the growth of local businesses, including the management and delivery of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise programme which provides concessions and reliefs to locally owned businesses.
