From Film Annex Capital Partners

Cayman Island sports have a rich history, including various events of all kinds, from rugby to sailing and beyond. Equestrian sports have found a rich new home in the Cayman Islands. The 2013 Caribbean Equestrian Association Junior Jumping Competition was held on May 18, 2013 in the Cayman Islands this year, bringing competitors and tourists from around the globe to both watch and participate.

Several countries host this competition each year, while many other countries compete. In this round, four countries sent competitors: Cayman Islands, Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. The Cayman Islands team won this round of the competition, which spans the entire year. The cumulative point total at the end of the year determines the overall winner.

This type of Cayman Island sports competition brings in a large percentage of the GDP of the Cayman Islands each year. In the next decade, Cayman Island hospitality is expected to bring in 10.5% of the GDP. This could mean upwards of $10 billion in US dollars each year, according to the World Sport Destination Expo in 2010. As a recent article stated, “The association said that Cayman brings tourists to the island who are involved in a variety of sports. The direct benefit to Cayman, felt the association, was an influx of money, with an indirect benefit that will be seen in years to come as the tourists return to Cayman on vacation with their family.”

Sports tourism currently rakes in $600 billion annually, with both participants and observers traveling regularly to new countries. In fact, it doesn’t just bring new people into the Cayman Islands – Cayman Island sports teams regularly travel to compete in events. By adding an exciting new industry to the Cayman Islands, they can expect growth in the hospitality industry.