New Tourism Chief in Cayman Islands Is a Familiar Face

McKeeva Bush, newly elected leader of government business in the Cayman Islands, has also assumed the role of minister of tourism, a post he previously held from 2000 to 2005.

At a meeting with tourism representatives immediately following the elections, Bush outlined several moves to help lessen the impact of the global economic crisis on tourism.

Initiatives include “additional support” for Cayman Airways and carriers serving the Cayman Islands; development of a cruise berthing facility on Grand Cayman; and more funds for marketing, promotion and product development.

Bush said he would meet regularly with the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, the Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism and the Sister Islands Tourism Association.

By June 30, Bush said he would unveil details of his short-term economic recovery package, which will provide assistance to local businesses and homeowners.

First-quarter arrivals in the Cayman Islands were down 14 percent over the same period in 2008, while cruise arrivals dropped 15.9 percent, according to visitor statistics released by the tourism department in May.