For the ninth consecutive month (June through February), air arrivals into the Cayman Islands have surpassed all previously recorded statistics. 40,020 visitors arrived by air in February, an increase of 12.58 percent over February 2017 which represents the best February in recorded history. Cruise arrivals showed robust growth in February as well, notably the best February in recorded history with 220,603 passengers. This year already the Cayman Islands has welcomed 79,205 visitors, representing an additional 12,024 visitors, or 17.9 percent increase over the first two months of 2017.
“With additional airline seats and new hotels rooms available in the Cayman Islands, I am pleased that the momentum from 2017 has continued into 2018,” commented Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, The Honourable Moses Kirkconnell. “Having just completed a tour to engage the wider community, we have received excellent feedback for inclusion in the National Tourism Plan which seeks to provide a blueprint for our industry’s success in the years to come.”
The statistics reflect consistent performance from the core markets within the United States and Canada. Of significant note, the Northeast region recorded an additional 1,742 visitors, or 15.35 percent increase year over year, making it the top performing region of 2018. The Southeast and Southwest regions recorded 24.46 and 12.48 percent growth respectively, while visitation from the West Coast of the United States grew by 16.15 percent. We continue to see growth in Canada which recorded an additional 205 visitors, or 6.3 percent growth.
“February’s phenomenal performance comes as the Department of Tourism returned to national television in 2018 highlighting the multitude of experiences our Cayman Islands has to offer,” explained Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris. “We look forward to continuing our success through this summer with the recent launch of our summer promotion ‘Kids Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,’ which features the endless array of cuisines available on-island for even the youngest of foodies to enjoy.”
To learn more about Kids Culinary Capital of the Caribbean offers, please visit www.caymanislands.ky/onlyincayman. For more information and detailed arrival statistics, please visit the website www.caymanislands.ky/statistics.