Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (8 January 2019) Home to world-class accommodations, premier culinary offerings and a myriad of experiences on-land and below sea, the Cayman Islands was ranked 1st out of 19 islands in Caribbean Journal’s roundup of “The 19 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2019.” This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of the destination welcoming 410,984 stayover visitors in the first eleven months of 2018, the highest number of stayover visitors in recorded history, further positioning the Cayman Islands as the premier warm-weather destination.

The destination’s sophistication, infrastructure and “unparalleled comfort and ease” were heralded as the determining factors for recognition. The award-winning Seven Mile Beach was honoured as one of the “greatest beaches in the world,” with The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, conveniently located on this strip of beach, being recognized as two of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean. The recently-renovated Margaritaville Resort and WIMCO villas were recognized as two of the newest accommodations offerings available to discerning guests, and the “array of culinary options” available in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean was highlighted as a key reason epicurean enthusiasts should visit the destination in 2019.

“I am extremely pleased that the Cayman Islands is the recipient of this distinct honour. It is a testament that the future is bright for tourism in 2019,” commented Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Honourable Moses Kirkconnell. “Local stakeholders should be proud of their contributions to our nation’s tourism product. I trust that all in the industry will continue to maintain the high standards of quality and the unparalleled Caymankind hospitality for which we are renown.”

Caribbean Journal’s 2019 recognition adds to the many accolades the Cayman Islands have recently received. In 2018, AFAR Magazine ranked the Cayman Islands 3rd in its list of “Where to Go In 2019”. Caribbean Journal awarded “Caribbean Restaurant of the Year” to Blue by Eric Ripert, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Several local restaurants were honoured in Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Wine List for culinary excellence, and many boutique properties were ranked in TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards.