Cayman Islands stayover arrivals jump 10% in July

The Cayman Islands recorded a 10% increase in stayover arrivals in July, extending its tourism growth streak to nine consecutive months as the destination welcomed a record number of overnight visitors during the first seven months of 2026.

According to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT), 45,053 stayover visitors arrived in July, up from the same month last year.

Between January and July, stayover arrivals reached a record 333,747, an 11% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Combined stayover and cruise visitation totaled 1,058,781 during the first seven months of the year, representing a 6.2% year-over-year increase.

“When our visitor numbers grow our economy thrives,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development Gary Rutty.

“This ninth consecutive month of increased stayover visitation and steady cruise numbers drives the advancement of businesses in this dynamic industry and sustains gainful employment opportunities for our nation’s people.”

The United States remained the Cayman Islands' largest source market in July, generating 37,910 visitors, a 12% increase from July 2025. Among identifiable U.S. markets, Austin, Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Houston recorded the strongest growth.

The increase coincided with expanded airlift from the United States. Inbound airline capacity rose by 3,147 seats, or 5.9%, compared with July 2025, bringing total U.S. seat capacity to 56,541. The increase was led by Miami, Atlanta and Cayman Airways' new Austin service.

European visitation also grew strongly, increasing 12.7% in July. Arrivals from Continental Europe jumped 26.7%, while the United Kingdom and Ireland recorded an 8.2% increase.

Canada was an exception to the July growth, with arrivals falling 15.9%. CIDOT said nonstop service operated three days per week compared with four days in 2025, reducing schedule flexibility.

Despite the monthly decline, Canadian arrivals between January and July were up 43.3% year over year, indicating continued demand beyond the traditional winter travel season.

Cruise tourism also declined sharply during July, with the Cayman Islands receiving 43,380 passengers, down 23% compared with July 2025 amid fewer cruise calls.

However, cruise passenger arrivals for the January-to-July period remained 4% ahead of the same period last year.

The growth in overnight visitors has also translated into stronger performance for the accommodations sector.

According to hotel intelligence firm STR, hotel occupancy reached 66.7% in July, an increase of 9.4 percentage points from July 2025. Average daily rates rose 7.6%, while revenue per available room increased 25.2%.

Through July, hotel occupancy was up 6.8 percentage points year over year, while average daily rates increased 5.9% and revenue per available room climbed 16.9%.

Hotel room revenue increased 18.3% during the first seven months of the year, with July marking the seventh consecutive month of double-digit room revenue growth.

Director of Tourism Rosa Harris credited the performance to the destination's tourism strategy and collaboration with industry partners.

“Sustained visitation increases throughout the first two months of summer is a testament to the success of our tourism strategy and the strong collaboration between the Department of Tourism and our industry partners to promote the destination,” Harris said.

“As we reach the peak of summer and transition to fall, the Department of Tourism remains steadfast in enacting our strategy of sustaining and growing airlift, deepening relationships with the travel trade, diversifying our source markets and retaining a strong presence in key markets.”

Harris said the department expects the positive visitation momentum to continue across its source markets for the remainder of 2026.