Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (19 December, 2016) Year to date tourist arrivals to the
Cayman Islands have increased by 2.48% confirming that the industry is continuing to maintain
its positive growth trajectory. Over the period January to November 2016, a total of 1,863,492
visitors were welcomed to the Islands, up from 1,818,322 over the same period in 2015.

The USA continues to take the lead as the Country’s top tourism source market for air arrivals,
with 78% of visitors originating from North America. While air arrivals from Europe, Canada and
the Rest of the World were largely flat, stayover arrivals from the USA are up 2.91%. Top
contributors from that region include the Southeast region which grew by 9.58% followed by
the Southwest at 8.46% and the Midwest at 7.91%.

Year to date cruise arrivals also recorded upward momentum, increasing by 3.09%, or 45,499
more passengers than the corresponding period in 2015.

“Despite several challenges over the course of the year I am pleased that both air and cruise
arrivals continue to register growth” said Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell.

“Tourism forecasts anticipated slower growth for this year due to the capacity constraints with
respect to room stock. In addition, air arrivals softened due to the rise of the Zika virus which
afflicted the entire region for most of this year. At the same time, weakening of the British
pound following the Brexit vote, coupled with terror attacks in Turkey, France and Germany
negatively impacted travel from Europe causing tourists to postpone travel plans.”

“Having contended with all of these considerations, I am satisfied with the moderate level of
growth that the Cayman Islands has still managed to achieve thanks to the tireless efforts of the
Ministry and Department of Tourism working in partnership with stakeholders in the private
sector,” he said.

With the recent opening of the Kimpton Seafire Resort, capacity within the Islands
accommodations sector has marginally increased and will be further boosted by the opening of
Margaritaville which is slated for early 2017. The additional combined total of 546 rooms will
auger well for the remainder of the winter season and occupancy among other Hotel properties
is holding steady.

“All growth registered within the industry is good news for the Country and even better news
for the many thousands of people whose livelihood depends on the tourism and hospitality
sectors,” said Mr. Kirkconnell. “From a strategic perspective the policies implemented by the
Ministry and Department of Tourism have been directed at striking the right balance between
accommodations, airlift, infrastructure and human capital and are working. For 2017 we will
redouble our efforts to keep the forward momentum going and look forward to welcoming
more visitors to our shores for a Cayman Islands vacation.”

END

IMAGE: