Cayman Islands 2024 Tourism Booms Despite highly active hurricane season

Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Cayman Islands concluded 2024 with impressive tourism figures, welcoming 437,842 stayover visitors between January and December, marking a 2% increase over 2023. Despite facing the challenges of a highly active hurricane season, the destination experienced steady growth, with standout months in March and December.

March 2024 saw the second-highest number of arrivals ever for the islands, with 57,040 stayover visitors, while December achieved 52,046 visitors, an increase of 4.3% compared to the previous year. This robust performance highlights the resilience of the Cayman Islands’ tourism sector, especially in light of disruptions caused by hurricanes.

Revenue from tourism accommodation taxes and fees reached KYD$ 38.5 million between January and November 2024, an 8% increase over 2023. The average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms also rose by 9%, reflecting a strong recovery and increased demand.

Weathering the Storms: A Resilient Tourism Sector

Despite being affected by significant weather disruptions—including tropical disturbances in June and four named storms between July and November—the Cayman Islands managed to maintain strong tourism numbers. Deputy Premier and Ministry of Tourism and Ports Kenneth Bryan expressed satisfaction with the growth, noting the destination’s quick recovery and its emergency response capabilities, including the restoration of accommodations and services. Partnerships with airlines were instrumental, with additional evacuation flights pre-storm and prompt resumption of regular flights afterward.

Key Source Markets for Cayman Islands Tourism

Visitor numbers from the United States grew by 1.4% in 2024, with December seeing a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. Regional performance was strong across the U.S., with the Northeast up 12.9% and the Midwest increasing by 10.1%. Meanwhile, Canada continued to show positive growth, with a 5.3% rise in visitors and record-breaking months in June, July, August, October, November, and December.

The United Kingdom and Ireland saw a 3.9% increase, bolstered by marketing efforts, including participation in the World Travel Market in London and press coverage in lifestyle magazines. Continental Europe recorded a 12.3% increase in visitation, driven by marketing strategies targeting the German market. Latin America saw a steady 3.3% increase, thanks to continued engagement with the region.

Increased Flight Capacity and Hotel Additions

In 2024, the Cayman Islands saw an 8% increase in flight capacity, with 884,279 seats and 5,342 flights arriving at the destination. Airlines such as United, Delta, and JetBlue increased their flight services from key U.S. cities, while Air Canada and WestJet enhanced their Toronto routes. The UK and Europe also saw growth, with British Airways increasing flight capacity by 8.4%.

In terms of accommodations, the Cayman Islands added 578 new rooms to its inventory, including the opening of VIDA Cayman Islands, offering a luxury boutique experience, and Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, which further expands the hotel offerings for visitors. These new hotels enhance the destination’s appeal, attracting a wider range of tourists.

A Successful Year for Cayman Islands Tourism

2024 was a landmark year for the Cayman Islands, with increased visitation, strong partnerships, and a comprehensive marketing strategy. Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, credited the destination’s global travel efforts and strategic PR initiatives for the successful year. Moving into 2025, the Cayman Islands aims to build on this momentum, continuing to position itself as a premier global destination.