Cayman tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, and is on pace to match, or even exceed, its record-breaking performance of 2019.
In the first quarter of 2025, Cayman saw a 5.3% rise in stayover visitors compared to the same period in 2024, with standout gains of 7.7% in January and 7.1% in February. These results far exceed dismal regional projections issued by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and mark a sharp year-over-year jump from 2024, when growth in stayover arrivals were a more subdued 2%.
This robust start positions Cayman to sustain its momentum through the year, raising the prospect of equalling, or even surpassing, its historic 2019 visitor numbers.
To maintain its growth trajectory, Cayman must capitalise on the window created by shifting global dynamics that have diminished the appeal of US travel, while also addressing travellers’ heightened price sensitivity in the face of tariff hikes and looming recession concerns.
According to the Caribbean Tourism Performance Review, a regular report from the CTO, geopolitical uncertainty is expected to lead to a lower-than-expected 2% to 5% increase in overnight arrivals to the region in the first quarter – falling short of earlier, more optimistic forecasts.
“Due to prevailing economic uncertainties and slowdowns in major source markets during the first quarter of the year, the pace of growth is projected to be more moderate than earlier forecasts suggested,” says Aliyyah Shakeer, the tourism organisation’s director of research.
In contrast, the Cayman Islands has seen a notable surge, which the Department of Tourism credits to targeted marketing campaigns and strengthened airline partnerships; however, news reports indicate that additional factors may also be contributing to Cayman’s performance.
Bloomberg reports that Caribbean tourism numbers are being driven by competitive pricing, attractive vacation packages and rising concerns among US travellers that global tensions could spark “hot tempers” in certain destinations.
“With European hotspots increasingly overpriced, overcrowded and affected by the anti-tourism protests that are gearing up for a second summer, a growing number of Americans are trading the Riviera and other parts of the Mediterranean for islands that are closer to home,” the US business publication noted in a recent article.
Exclusive data shared with Bloomberg by Virtuoso reveals that the Caribbean has already logged a striking 26% increase in summer bookings as of 10 April, compared to the same period in 2024.
US travellers powering Cayman tourism boom
According to the Department of Tourism, the US remains Cayman’s dominant source market, accounting for 83% of total arrivals. Notably, first-quarter visitor numbers from the midwest and northeast surged by 13.1% and 9.1%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.
The department attributes this growth to intensified marketing efforts in late 2024 and early 2025, which included geotargeted advertising campaigns and strategic partnerships with major airlines.
Enhanced air connectivity is also said to have played a key role. JetBlue expanded its services from Boston, while American Airlines, Delta and United boosted flight frequencies from major hubs including Dallas, Washington DC, Miami and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
