Recent accolades announced at the close of 2016 set the tone for what will be a strong year for the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands.
Just a few days into 2017, the destination has been recognised with top tier honours and recognition, starting off with the cover story of the Robb Report featuring the Cayman Islands and the new Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; being named the “Best beach in the Caribbean” by Caribbean Journal; and “Top wedding location for 2017” by Islands magazine. These accolades are earned by a multi-faceted marketing strategy focused on partnerships, group business and consumer-facing activations that is strengthened year over year.
More than just a sun, sand, and sea destination, accolades and recognition such as these help to solidify the unique brand position of the destination, while providing positive reinforcement of the strength of tourism in delivering high quality customer focused experiences.
“Each visitor to our destination must feel the spirit of the people, the high quality accommodations and infrastructure services, and find value in his or her time spent in the Cayman Islands. It is apparent by our continued recognition amongst traveller based awards that we do not simply deliver, instead we excel,” commented Minister of Tourism the Honourable Moses Kirkconnell.
During 2016, the Cayman Islands were named one of the Best Islands in the World by Condé Naste Traveler. That magazine also listed Le Soleil d’Or as one of the best 50 Resorts in the World as well as The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman and the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa as Top Resorts in the Caribbean.
“The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is exceptionally placed to inspire a positive change in sentiment about travel to the Caribbean for 2017 with the completion of multiple new and compelling destination enhancements aimed at maintaining our high visitor satisfaction,” said Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism. “By evolving and diversifying our tourism product offering to meet the unique needs of today’s discerning traveller, we remain confident in our ability to surpass expectations, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat stays.”
As plans for 2017 continue, the DOT has put forth a well-rounded marketing strategy that prioritises maintaining interest from repeat visitors as well as reaching new audiences and markets. Innovative and coordinated efforts across marketing and public relations platforms will give special attention to amplifying messaging on key industry niches and new destination offerings and developments through in-market promotions, tradeshow representation, media events, new partnerships, creative events support, and much more.
Through these concerted efforts to amplify the Cayman Islands and its unmatched Caymankind guest experiences among key consumer, trade and media audiences, the DOT is paving the way for the destination to experience sustainable long term growth and success for 2017 while earning evermore accolades along the way.