The Cayman Islands are drawing travelers like never before, prompting several U.S. airlines to further expand operations on the Islands. But what’s sparking this sudden interest? From hidden gems to world-class tourist attractions, something undeniably captivating is unfolding in the Caribbean.
Recent official data shows a 7 percent increase in stayover tourists in 2004 compared to the same period last year.
Between January and July this year, 289,095 passengers passed through customs at its three international airports—9,245 more than in 2023, marking the third-highest figure on record.
The Cayman Islands’ primary source market remains the United States, followed by Canada and Europe. The islands have also announced plans to expand their reach into Latin America.
Earlier this year, Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Rosa Harris led a delegation to Colombia and Brazil, the two most powerful markets in the region at the moment, aiming to attract as many visitors as possible.
Without further ado, here are the U.S. flag carriers expanding operations this winter.
JetBlue
JetBlue will add a third weekly flight from Boston to Grand Cayman on October 28, 2024, with special launching fares starting at $198. This airline also operates a New York-JFK to Grand Cayman route.
American Airlines
On December 4, a new American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth will begin service to Grand Cayman.
Delta
In December, Delta will also launch a new thrice-weekly route from Minneapolis, with the exact date yet to be announced.
United
During the peak winter season, United will introduce a new daily service between Chicago O’Hare and Owen Roberts International Airport, starting in mid-December.
The carrier has also committed to increasing capacity on flights between Houston, Washington, DC., and Grand Cayman. This daily service will only be available between November and December, with plans to become permanent in March 2025.
“Increasing airlift to the destination is crucial to the continued development of the Cayman Islands tourism industry,” said Harris on the day of the announcement.
“United’s increase in nonstop flights into Grand Cayman is a testament to the reputation of the Cayman Islands as a premier destination for US travelers. We value our partnership with United and the confidence they have in the destination.”
The fact is that the Cayman Islands is determined to carve out a spot among the top Caribbean destinations.
Back in September, the island successfully hosted its annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), powered by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
Industry leaders, government officials, and journalists gathered to discuss a range of issues, from economic development and sustainability to the growth of the cruise industry and even how artificial intelligence will impact the tourism sector.
“Tourism is not merely an economic driver; it is a key industry that nourishes our cultures and sustains our respective communities. [Tourism growth] represents hope for local economies, sustenance for small businesses, and support for countless families who rely on this crucial sector,” said Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier, Cayman Islands at the end of the conference.