The Cayman Islands enjoyed a record breaking year of visitation in 2014. In what was notably the best year in over a decade, the country welcomed over 380,000 stay-over guests by the end of 2014 according to visitor arrival statistics released by the Department of Tourism.
The data shows that 382,816 total visitor air arrivals were recorded, representing a 10.
84 percent increase over the 2013 performance and is the best stay-over visitor arrival figure the Cayman Islands has recorded in over 14 years.
“It has been a wonderful experience throughout 2014 to witness the success of tourism businesses continuing to climb throughout the year. Hotels recorded exceptional occupancy, taxi drivers were consistently busy, and we have seen growth throughout the sector,” shared Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Hon. Moses Kirkconnell. “We know that this success comes from our continued commitment to partnerships with private sector entities, the diligent work of this government, the Department of Tourism and the unique approaches implemented throughout the year to an integrated strategic plan.”
The Cayman Islands ranks in the top five of Caribbean destinations visited by cruise passengers. The island’s cruise berthing project is seen as crucial to grow the cruise tourism sector of the economy and to increase job creation and opportunities for small business development.
“The tourism sector has seen tremendous gains in 2014 due to agility in responding to market needs and focus on infrastructure priorities that have led to 10 percent increase in visitation,” says Chief Officer in the Tourism Ministry, Mr. Stran Bodden. “The Ministry of Tourism, District Administration and Transport will continue to focus on the main points of entry and transportation segments of public transportation and the National Flag Carrier Cayman Airways to ensure there is strength with all Cayman Islands Government Agencies to result in future achievement and synergy.”
Recently the World Travel Awards named the Cayman Islands 2014 World’s Leading Destination. As the destination continues to anticipate future growth in visitor arrivals, both stay over and cruise—improvements will continue throughout the year to come in areas such as the airport redevelopment, cruise berthing facilities, new accommodation properties, and strategic marketing programs supported by additional airlift
Cayman Islands, www.caymanislands.ky