Cayman Islands Posted Air Arrival Increase in July

The figures of air arrivals data for July published by the Department of Tourism (DOT) re­cords the second highest number of air arrivals to date for 2014.

Air arrivals in July boasted a fig­ure of 39,193 visitors which is a 15.69% increase year-over-year for the month. This is the second highest arrivals month in 2014, with March data showing 44,205 visitors.

“The summer period, specifi­cally June and July, has shown a year over year increase of 11.44% with 73,290 in 2014 compared to 65,768 in 2013. Data from the Im­migration Department shows that there has been a steady increase in the number of families visiting the destination, which is in line with the Department of Tourism’s stra­tegic integrated marketing plan specifically targeting this niche in recent years. The data shows that the US region alone delivered an additional 3,632 visitors over 2013 results,” the release stated.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Mo­ses Kirkconnell in addressing this welcomed information said “These numbers are wonderful, and speak to the hard work of the Department of Tourism through­out the years in recognizing the trends of family travel. They have consistently targeted this niche group and we are pleased to now be seeing the fruits of their labor in this regard.”

“The DOT is tasked each year to increase visitation and has done an exceptional job, as demon­strated by the consistent trend of increases in air arrivals. We recognize that the partnerships they embark on with the private sector are also key to the continuing suc­cesses of our tourism market and we applaud those partners who support the destination by being part of the promotional efforts of the department,” stated Mr. Kirk­Connell.

Explaining the results of innova­tive thinking by the DOT team, Director of Tourism Mrs. Rosa Harris said, “Specific initiatives such as the street chalk art in the UK, and the ice cream truck in New York help us to creatively im­pact messaging to our audiences. Both were creative ideas that positively impacted our potential visitors in unexpected ways, a tac­tic that further positions the Cay­man Islands as the destination of choice for travellers seeking an idyllic Caribbean experience.”

“We are very encouraged by the stellar arrivals the Islands have en­joyed in 2014, and in recent years. Our members are pleased to be part of a number of collaborations and promotions with the DOT each year. These partnerships al­low our private sector to show­case the strengths of our diverse industry such as our accommo­dations, attractions, water sports and dive offerings. We look for­ward to continued successes as we all endeavor to ensure excep­tional vacations for the discerning guests who choose the Cayman Islands.” said, Mr. Kenneth Hydes President of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.

Source: The Cayman Reporter