Air arrival statistics released today by the Department of Tourism confirm that 2012 registered the highest number of visitors to the Island in 11 years and air arrivals in December were the highest of any December in the last 12 years.

Speaking on the impressive positive trend which has been sustained over the past three years, Director of Tourism Shomari Scott explained that a total of 321,650 visitors had arrived by air in 2012, representing an increase of 12,558 persons or 4.1% over total air arrivals for the previous year. For the month of December 2012, air arrivals increased by 6.2% over 2011 to 35,408 stay-over visitors, which means that the Cayman Islands registered a positive increase in stay over visitors for 32 months out of the last 36.

Cumulatively, this dramatic growth represents a 17.3% increase over the past three years, which is a significant feat considering that travel patterns have still not returned to where they were prior to the impact of the global economic meltdown.

Referencing the results, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Cline Glidden expressed his delight and confirmed that the increase in arrivals was extremely gratifying, particularly in light of the tough economic conditions being experienced in our primary source markets over the past three years. “The continued growth in air arrivals highlights that the bold and proactive steps that were taken – such as realigning Cayman Airways to better service the industry and introducing new routes to boost capacity – are paying dividends.”

Noting that the Cayman Islands is one of only a handful of Caribbean countries that saw such positive increases in air arrivals in 2010 and 2011 respectively, the Minister remarked that the continued growth registered by the Cayman Islands validated the hard work and spirit of partnership and collaboration that underpinned the results. “I am pleased to extend my congratulations to all concerned in bringing about these outstanding results and I trust that every effort will be made to sustain this positive trajectory in 2013” he stated.

The latest tourism figures clearly demonstrate that the Cayman Islands remains a sought after destination for families, divers, weddings and honeymoons and for those simply seeking sun, sea and sand.

Also expressing his delight at the end of year results, Mr. Scott confirmed that ‘by working closely with private sector partners such as the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) and other industry partners, the Department of Tourism succeeded in launching a number of new initiatives and promotions that were designed to drive visitation while also supporting our local businesses and service providers. Additionally, by realigning our strategic business objectives and conducting a variety of mission critical research, the Department has also been able to gain valuable insight and an improved understanding of the factors currently influencing travel.”

“I would like to extend the Department’s thanks to all of the online and traditional travel agents, specialists, coop partners and tourism industry partners that consistently work with us to market and promote our destination and I look forward with renewed enthusiasm to achieving even greater results by the end of 2013.”

Also see iNews Cayman posting today of “STATEMENT BY THE HON. CLINE GLIDDEN JR., MINISTER OF TOURISM AT GOVERNMENT PRESS BRIEFING Thursday 31 January, 2013’