by Brian Major
Last updated: 3:00 PM ET, Mon January 26, 2015
Photo courtesy Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Cayman Islands tourist arrivals surged in 2014 even as the Caribbean nation struggled with an outdated international airport and the absence of a modern cruise ship terminal. The Cayman Islands hosted 382,816 air arrivals last year, a 10.8 percent increase over 2013 and the country's highest figure since 2000 according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Meanwhile, Cayman hosted 1,609,555 cruise ship visitors in 2014, a 17 percent increase over the 1,375,872 cruise ship travelers who arrived in 2013. The 2014 total represents the Cayman Islands' most cruise arrivals since 2007.
"It has been a wonderful experience throughout 2014 to witness the success of tourism businesses continuing to climb throughout the year," said Moses Kirkconnell, Cayman's tourism minister and deputy premier. "Hotels recorded exceptional occupancy, taxi drivers were consistently busy, and we have seen growth throughout the sector," he said.
Cayman's 2014 tourist arrivals were particularly strong in late in the year. December's 40,568 air arrivals were the best monthly arrival total since 2000, said Department of Tourism officials.
"We know that this success comes from our continued commitment to partnerships with private sector entities, the diligent work of this government, the Department of Tourism and the unique approaches implemented throughout the year to an integrated strategic plan," Kirkconnell added.
The Department of Tourism's 2014 promotional strategies focused on activities in North American cities including New York City and Toronto as well as international cities including London, said Rosa Harris, the Department of Tourism's director.
The Department's 2014 promotions included a 3-D chalk art simulation of Cayman's famous Stingray City attraction on a London street. In New York City, Cayman mascot Sir Turtle offered free skating rounds at the Trump Ice Skating Rink in Central Park.
"We look forward to more creative initiatives in 2015 and further raising the awareness of the Cayman Islands as a leading destination in the Caribbean for discerning travelers," said Harris.
Cayman airport arrivals continue to grow despite the outdated facilities at Grand Cayman's Owen Roberts International Airport. The airport operates at double its 500,000-person capacity during peak periods, Kirkconnell said last year.
Earlier this month Cayman's government announced an agreement with a U.S. firm to provide architectural and engineering consultancy services to the Cayman Islands Airport Authority (CIAA).
The firm, RS&H Group of Jacksonville, Fla. will complete an "overall expansion of the airport's footprint" including "major renovations to the existing arrivals and departures areas to improve passenger flow and enhance the travel experience," according to Ministry of Tourism & Transport officials.
Meanwhile, despite its lack of a modern pier and terminal capable of serving the largest cruise ships, Cayman Islands ranks in the top five of Caribbean destinations visited by cruise passengers, ranking behind only Cozumel, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and St. Maarten according to Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) data.
Kirkconnell said Cayman has completed environmental impact and logistical studies for the launch of a cruise facility and will "seek to start work on a new cruise ship pier and terminal" in 2015.
Other tourism initiatives will include a renovation of public infrastructure in the Georgetown downtown district. "The revitalization of Georgetown is key for the people of the Cayman Islands and for our tourism product," Kirkconnell said.
"The planned improvements for the cruise port and George Town should increase visitation to allow us to easily move into the number two spot [among Caribbean cruise destinations] in a very short time," said Joseph Hew, a Ministry of Tourism spokesman.
"The tourism sector has seen tremendous gains in 2014 due to agility in responding to market needs and focus on infrastructure priorities," says Stran Bodden, the Tourism Ministry's chief officer.
"We must continue to be innovative in how we reach our audience," said Kirkconnell. "I am looking forward to seeing how far we can go in 2015 and beyond."
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