In what was the best year in more than a decade, the Cayman Islands welcomed more than 380,000 stay-over guests by the end of 2014, according to visitor arrival statistics released by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (DOT).
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.
Notably the month of December showed the best visitor arrival figures for any December since the year 2000 with 40,568 stay over visitors accounting for a year-over-year increase of 3.58 percent. This included an increase in cruise arrivals for the year which totaled 1,609,555 passengers, a year over year increase of 16.98 percent. This cruise arrival figure marks the best year since 2007.
The Cayman Islands ranks in the top five of Caribbean destinations visited by cruise passengers.
“The planned improvements for the cruise port and George Town should increase visitation to allow us to easily move into the number two spot on that list in a very short time,” said Joseph Hew, councillor in the Ministry of Tourism, in a written release. “The continued increase in visitor numbers is confirmation that our beautiful scenery, amazing activities and friendly people continues to draw visitors from far and wide.”
The 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.
Another unique initiative was to bring a bit of Caymankind warmth to New York’s Trump Ice Skating Rink in Central Park as the temperatures began to drop this past Fall. Cayman’s own Sir Turtle provided free skating rounds to lucky individuals and shared information about the destination to those who took part in the fun.
The efforts of the DOT global teams are matched by on island partners who steadfastly continue to provide an exceptional experience in an unparalleled setting. This was once again recognized by the visitors who repeatedly voted for the Cayman Islands in a variety of Readers Choice Awards and publications that awarded the destination numerous accolades.
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.
Visit www.caymanislands.ky.