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Destinations

Canadian travellers drive record visits to Cayman Islands in 2024

The Cayman Islands ended 2024 on a high note welcoming 437,842 stayover visitors between January and December 2024 representing a two per cent increase over 2023’s numbers.

March 2024 saw the second highest number of arrivals ever for the destination with 57,040 stayover visitors. December was also a standout month with 52,046 stayover visitors – the second highest number of visitors for December in recorded history and an increase of 4.3 per cent year over year.

Canadian visitation played a significant role in year over year results thanks to six months of record arrivals from the source market, up 5.3 per cent. This year stands to see the the continuation of this trend thanks to an increased flight schedule from WestJet and Air Canada. Canadians can enjoy up to seven non-stop flights per week this winter.

“We are thrilled by the remarkable performance of Canadian visitation to the Cayman Islands in 2024,” said Raymond Mathias, Canada Country Manager for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. “With six months of record arrivals from Canada, it’s clear that Canadians continue to be captivated by the unique experiences and warm hospitality our islands offer. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum with an expanded flight schedule from WestJet and Air Canada making it easier than ever for travellers to trade the cold for the sun-soaked beauty and sophisticated culture of the Cayman Islands.”

Increased airlift and new hotels

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Cayman Islands saw a significant increase in its airlift between January and December 2024 with 884,279 airline seats an increase of eight per cent over 2023 and 5,342 flights into the destination an increase of 461 flights over 2023.

In Canada, Air Canada and WestJet enhanced their Toronto service with 237 flights into the destination in 2024 an increase of 36 flights year over year. Canada also saw a significant increase in seat capacity in December which was up 16.8 per cent over the same period in 2023.

In 2024 the destination’s room inventory increased by 578 bedrooms to 8,356 with the addition of VIDA Cayman Islands and Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman to the islands’ hotel portfolio. Both hotels enhance the destinations accommodations offerings. VIDA Cayman Islands brings a new boutique, luxury experience to the destination attracting an affluent visitor looking for wellness and adventure.

Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman is the third IHG Hotels & Resorts property in the destination – a global brand with 6,000+ properties worldwide whose extensive network will allow new visitors to discover the Cayman Islands.