The Cayman Islands recorded strong tourism growth in February 2026, welcoming 49,075 stayover visitors — a 10.1% increase year over year and the second-strongest February performance on record, just 3% below the all-time high set in 2020.
Cruise passenger arrivals also rose by 6.5% compared to February 2025, totaling 159,917 passengers. Combined, total visitation for the month reached 208,992 visitors, reflecting a 7.3% increase year over year.
The strong February results build on January’s record-breaking performance, with year-to-date stayover arrivals reaching 95,112 visitors — an 11.8% increase over the same period in 2025.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development, Hon. Gary Rutty, said the sustained growth underscores the effectiveness of the Cayman Islands’ tourism strategy.
“Delivering one of the strongest February performances in our history, following a record-breaking January, demonstrates the continued success of our strategic focus on airlift expansion, targeted marketing and strong industry partnerships,” Rutty said. “The Cayman Islands continues to perform at a high level across multiple markets, reinforcing our position as a leading premium destination in the Caribbean.”
Canada Leads Growth
Canada continued its record-setting momentum, posting 6,102 visitors in February — a 47% increase year over year and the highest monthly visitation total ever recorded from the market. The growth reflects sustained demand and expanded airlift, including increased service from Toronto and new flights from Ottawa.
United States Remains Largest Market
The United States remained the Cayman Islands’ largest source market, generating 38,673 stayover visitors in February — up 5.4% year over year and the second-highest February total on record.
Growth from the U.S. was led by the Midwest, which rose 10%, and the South, which increased by 7.2%, supported by expanded airlift from Chicago and Miami.
UK, Europe and Latin America Show Gains
Visitation from the UK and Ireland reached 1,783 visitors, marking a 12.8% increase year over year and the strongest February performance ever recorded for the region, despite no increase in airlift capacity.
Continental Europe also recorded strong gains, with visitation rising 24% year over year, reflecting growing demand supported by marketing and trade engagement initiatives.
Latin America contributed to the growth as well, recording a 7% increase as part of efforts to diversify the Cayman Islands’ visitor base through emerging markets.
Expanded Airlift Drives Demand
Inbound airlift capacity from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada increased by 20.9% in February 2026. Expanded service from Chicago and Miami, along with new February routes from Fort Lauderdale, New York, Detroit, Toronto and Ottawa, strengthened connectivity to the destination.
Hotel performance also remained strong. Global hotel intelligence firm STR Inc. reported an 8.7% increase in the Cayman Islands’ average daily rate compared to February 2025.
Positive Outlook for First Quarter
Director of Tourism Rosa Harris said strategic planning and market diversification will help sustain growth.
“Cayman’s visitor chooses our destination due to its accessibility, safety, and premium positioning,” Harris said. “February’s performance reflects the strength of our global demand and the effectiveness of our strategic investment in developing emerging markets. We look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful results for the destination.”
With continued airlift expansion and strong demand across key markets, the Cayman Islands is positioned to maintain its growth trajectory through the first quarter of 2026.
