Visitors numbers still soaring with 16% increase

| 29/06/2018 | 26 Comments

(CNS): Since the beginning of 2018 the Cayman Islands has welcomed a total of 209,143 stay-over visitors, a 16.51% increase over 2017, which was already a record-breaking year. The ongoing tourism success showed no sign of declining after May became the fourteenth consecutive month when air arrivals surpassed the previous year’s figures. Collectively, visitors have spent around CI$325 million in Cayman since January. A whopping 35,916 visitors flew in last month, a 22.4% growth on last year’s numbers and the best May on record.

Cruise numbers were also up by 30%, with 123,203 arrivals last month and the best May since 2005.

“Preliminary estimates from the Department of Tourism show that the increase in visitation for
cruise and stay-over in the first five months of the year accounts for an additional CI$45 million
in visitor spending, bringing the total visitor spend to CI $325 million,” said Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell. “The tourism industry of the Cayman Islands is an important economic driver that leads to job creation and national development for which we all benefit.”

The minister said he was optimistic that the positive trend would continue throughout this year.

Arrivals from the United States were up 26.5%, with visitors growing from all corners of the country. Arrivals from Canada also increased by 5.99% increase, as did visitors from Latin America and Europe.

Cayman Islands Tourism Director Rosa Harris said the arrival of more than 400,000 stay-over visitors in 2017 had been accomplished through strategic planning and collaboration with the tourism sector and the department’s global teams.

“Achieving great milestones for 2018 and beyond will be led by the vision of our National Tourism Plan, ongoing commitment to innovative strategic marketing practices, and working in partnership to identify and attract the right mix of visitors to our shores,” Harris added.

While Cayman has benefited from the diversion of visitors from islands impacted by the hurricanes last season, even as other destinations reopen for business this jurisdiction appears to be maintaining the growth in visitors at both the airport and the cruise port, once again questioning the wisdom of the planned cruise berthing facilities.

Growing numbers of people are questioning the negative impact that the passenger numbers needed to cover the cost of the project would have on the increasingly successful and far more lucrative overnight tourism product. There are also increasing concerns about the lack of infrastructure, beach access and the long-term sustainability of increasing cruise numbers at the expense of overnight guests.

For more information and detailed statistics visit the DOT website.

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Comments (26)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Those hurricanes really helped raise hotel prices, too.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Will we have to pay the same amount for bags to Cayman Brac as those to Miami and other CAL destinations?

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  3. Anonymous says:

    I went through the airport on my way out the other day.
    1. I’m sure the building is being packed with too many people and they are Breaking the fire code.

    2. All the airport staff are pissed off, I got tired of hearing them complain!

    3. It’s ugly and dysfunctional, seriously

    4. Cost overruns of $60M is ridiculous

    5. Why is John Johns company now so visible throughout the airport ? Is that not a blatant conflict of interest ?

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Finally CAL starting to see they need to operate like a business. I think the baggage charges show they understand that is reality in today’s market. I pay for baggage on every other airline so I’m not surprised that CAL requires it now too.

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    • Anonymous says:

      They’ll still get their subsidy. Bet you those in the cabinet, along with friends & family club members won’t be paying new baggage fees though. CAL’s subsidy needs to end. Only then will they be considered a real business.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Each and every visitor (2.1mil in 2017) adds a piece or two of garbage to the ever growing mountain Trashmore. Some of it ends up in the sea- straws, cups, lids, bottles, etc.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Uk nah happy bout dat bobo…they want higher feez now.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    And as of 18 May 2 million visitors had flown into Cuba – that’s despite the knock on from Hurricane Irma last year and Trump’s US travel clamp down.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    The DoT website is actually showing 2018 Spring arrivals from Europe are down on 2017.

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  9. EH says:

    Watch as cal loose customers with there bs of charging for luggage. The damn ticket fair is flipping high enough much less to now have to pay for bags that is what made them unique oh well southwest here I come where do I sign up .

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    • Anonymous says:

      It’s not CAL that are bringing the majority of air arrivals it is all the other carriers combined and their own marketing strategies, even though the DOT likes to take credit. They like to fly full! CAL has to find ways to make up the shortfall in revenue. The strategy of not charging for baggage has not worked to fill the planes, so it is no surprise they have introduced charges.

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    • Anonymous says:

      It wont be long they will be charging too

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  10. Anonymous says:

    Air Arrivals are up and Cayman Airways now decides to charge fees for baggage…Ridiculous..that was the last straw, I’ll use Southwest to Ft. Lauderdale as they offer free bags and better prices..

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    • Anonymous says:

      I don’t get this ..How greedy can Cayman Airways get..Highest prices, constant delays, tourism up 30% meaning they are running full by default, more efficient planes for less rent, yet to celebrate 50 years they introduce baggage fees…Tell me again who is do the marketing for this airline..

      Who the hell is in charge over there..Moses get a handle on this right away..This is the goose that laid the golden egg.This is what kept the loyalty to Cayman Airways …Now you are just like everyone else..except Southwest..

      I can’t wait until the Bracers her they have to pay for bags…oh wait, Moses will make them the exception..

      Lord help us!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Baggage fee is a small part of the decision on which airline to travel, and most airlines have them. I don’t think this is any big deal.

      The problem with Cayman Airways is all the free passengers I see on the flights. Can someone explain the policy as to who gets to fly free? Is it similar on other airlines?

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  11. Say it like it is says:

    Maybe Rosa Harris can provide some comparisons with the Bahamas and Jamaica before she plasters herself with more personal accolades.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Am i the only one who doesn’t like rum-point anymore? It used to be shallow and and clear waters, now its kinda shallow, appears as if the ocean had diarrhea, and no longer has that sandbar to the left with the volleyball net on it.
    #MakeRumPointGreatAgain

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    • Anonymous says:

      Too many people has made the beaches less enjoyable not to mention less pristine.

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    • Anonymous says:

      And what is that ugly floating play frame doing over there by Starfish Point? Is it legal? Who OKed that?

  13. Anonymous says:

    We better get to work on the cruise ship pier, said no one

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Those hurricanes that hit the North East Caribbean last really helps those numbers.

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