Cayman Islands Flight Arrivals Increase

Figures just released have shown that the number of tourists arriving by air in the Cayman Islands has increased for an 11th straight month compared with the same period last year. The current figures also demonstrate a significant rise in the number of visitors from Canada and Europe. 

According to statistics released by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism the overall number of ‘stay-over’ visitors for the month of July jumped 7.5 per cent from the same time last year. The figures represent the strongest July since 2004, as well as placing Cayman on track to potentially welcome more than 300,000 air arrival visitors for the first time since 2008. 

The United States continued to account for roughly four out of every five passengers arriving by aircraft in the Cayman Islands. But Canada and continental Europe led all regions in terms of percentage growth in the number of visitors travelling to the Cayman Islands. Though still relatively small collectively, Canada saw its contribution jump 72 per cent over the previous year and Europe grew by more than 36 per cent. 

 “The growth in arrival figures, particularly during these tough economic times, is extremely gratifying and highlights that the proactive steps that have been taken – such as working closely with industry partners, realigning (Cayman Airways) and introducing new routes to boost capacity – are paying dividends,” said Shomari Scott, acting director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. “As we move into the fall season a series of new promotions – including the Visiting Friends and Relatives, Dive Madness and Pirates Week deal – will be on offer to travelers to maintain the positive trend.” 

 In July, worldwide passenger traffic also grew as demand increased throughout every major international market, according to the International Air Transport Association.