The Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism (ACT) extends its gratitude to the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Ports, for outlining the timeline for the referendum on cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands during his press conference this morning. The referendum, scheduled to coincide with next year’s general election, will give Caymanian voters the opportunity to shape the future of the cruise industry, a vital pillar of our economy.

“We also wish to thank the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) for presenting the “Economic Impact of Cruise Tourism in the Cayman Islands” report. The comprehensive report provides valuable insights and data that will help inform voters as they consider this important issue.” Mr. Ellio Solomon, ACT Representative, said.

The ESO report clearly highlights the crucial role that cruise tourism plays economically:

• In 2018, cruise tourism generated $350.1 million in gross output, accounting for 4.4% of the GDP and supporting 2,587 jobs in local businesses, particularly in retail and excursions.
• By 2023, this output fell to $261.0 million (2.5% of GDP), supporting 1,622 jobs.
• The cruise industry is expected to contribute $253.4 million in gross output in 2024, supporting 1,537 jobs.
• Government revenues, derived from cruise fees and taxes, stood at $30.5 million in 2018 and remain an important source of funding for public services, though this has since fallen significantly post-pandemic.

The report also outlines some of the challenges facing the industry, including the increasing number of larger vessels that cannot currently dock in Cayman, leading to missed opportunities for growth. According to the ESO report, if Grand Cayman had cruise berthing infrastructure, the island could have welcomed up to 419,000 more visitors this year, supporting 2,977 jobs and adding $39.0 million in fiscal revenue.

“We are grateful to Minister Bryan for his commitment to transparency in this process and for ensuring that all perspectives are heard.” Mr. Solomon said.

“We also thank him for inviting both sides of the debate to participate in the upcoming Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference. This engagement demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to an open and inclusive dialogue. We believe the Caymanian people deserve full access to the facts, and the ESO report will play a key role in educating voters about the economic impact of cruise tourism.”

However, as the nation prepares for the national debate, ACT addressed recent concerns regarding a survey being circulated by Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman.

“While healthy debate is essential, it’s important for the public to critically assess the information they receive. Biased surveys and campaigns can lead to misinformation. We encourage Caymanians to look at the facts, consider the positive contributions of cruise tourism to our economy, and make a well-informed decision.” Mr. Solomon added.

The ACT remains committed to working with the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, the business community, and the people of the Cayman Islands to ensure an informed national debate on this critical issue.