Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (January 28, 2014) Demonstrating the strength of the destination amongst travellers, a record-breaking number of visitors were welcomed to the Cayman Islands in 2013 according to visitor arrival statistics released by the Department of Tourism.

The data details show that 345,387 total visitor air arrivals were recorded, representing a 7.4 per cent increase over the 2012 performance and is the best stay-over visitor arrival figure the Cayman Islands has recorded in over 10 years. Notably the month of December 2013 showed the best visitor arrival figures for any December since the year 2000 at 39,167.

“While many of us have seen signs of continued improvement throughout the tourism sector in regards to an uptick in occupancy, busier times for tour operators and other wins for the market, the release of these figures confirms that the Cayman Islands is in fact doing exceptionally well,” shared Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Hon. Moses Kirkconnell.

“The combined efforts of government, the Department of Tourism and our invaluable private sector partners through integrated strategic planning has led to this success, for which all in the Cayman Islands should be proud.  Each of us plays a role in the success of tourism—a key pillar in our economy—and it is noteworthy when these efforts lead to such a remarkable achievement.”

As initiatives continue throughout the Cayman Islands tourism industry such as the airport redevelopment, cruise berthing facilities, new accommodation properties, strategic marketing programs supported by additional airlift, our airline partners have committed to the Cayman Islands in 2014, the anticipation that our numbers will continue along this same trend is positive.

The release of the arrivals statistics coincides with the release of the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards. Continuing to be represented in several categories, the ‘Best of 2014 – Hotels’ shows support of the success that the Cayman Islands has enjoyed  in recent years from independent travellers who participate in the selection process for these awards.  This year the Cayman Islands saw two properties rank very well in two categories:

Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean:

#1- Caribbean Club

#6- Cotton Tree

Top 25 Small Hotels in the Caribbean:

#2- Caribbean Club

#12- Cotton Tree

Additionally our trade partners have recognised the Cayman Islands as a leader in providing guest experiences through inclusion on the Travel Agent Advisors List 2013. Recognising the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman as #2 Best hotel for Romance in the Caribbean and #6 Best hotel for families. Our dive sector has also been recognised by Scuba Diving Annual Readers Choice Awards which named the Cayman Islands “top overall destination for diving in the Caribbean and Atlantic”. Notable Scuba Diving Readers Choice Awards also went to Sunset House (Best Dive Resort) and Ocean Frontiers (Best Dive Operation).

“Each year the Cayman Islands continues to draw visitors who are seeking our CaymanKind experience that can be found “Only in Cayman” and I am so pleased to note that as a destination we deliver beyond expectations,” said Hon Moses Kirkconnell. “These wonderful experiences lead to happy visitors and help us to see our reputation growing as the leading Caribbean destination year over year.”