The Cayman Islands are attracting travelers like never before, prompting several U.S. airlines to further expand their operations in the islands. But what causes this sudden interest? From hidden gems to world-class tourist attractions, something undeniably captivating is unfolding in the Caribbean.
Recent official data show that the number of stay-over tourists increased by 7 percent in 2004 compared to the same period last year.
Between January and July this year, 289,095 passengers passed through customs at the three international airports – 9,245 more than in 2023, which is the third highest figure ever.
The main source market for the Cayman Islands 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 Tourism Director Rosa Harris led a delegation to Colombia and Brazil, the two most powerful markets in the region at the moment, with the aim of attracting as many visitors as possible.
Without further ado, here are the US airlines expanding their operations this winter.
JetBlue
JetBlue will add a third weekly flight from Boston to Grand Cayman on October 28, 2024, with special launch fares starting at $198. This airline also operates a New York-JFK to Grand Cayman route.
US airlines
A new American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth will depart for Grand Cayman on December 4.
Delta
In December, Delta will also launch a new three-weekly route from Minneapolis, the exact date of which has yet to be announced.
United
During the winter peak season, United will introduce new daily service between Chicago O’Hare and Owen Roberts International Airport beginning in mid-December.
The airline 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 air transportation to the destination is critical to the continued development of the Cayman Islands tourism industry,” Harris said on the day of the announcement.
“United’s increase in nonstop flights to Grand Cayman is a testament to the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a premier destination for American travelers. We appreciate our partnership with United and the confidence they have in the destination.”
The fact is that the Cayman Islands is determined to take its place among the top destinations in the Caribbean.
In September, the island successfully hosted the 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 just an economic engine; it is an important industry that nourishes our cultures and sustains our respective communities. [Tourism growth] represents hope for local economies, livelihoods for small businesses and support for countless families who rely on this crucial sector.” said Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Prime Minister of the Cayman Islands at the end of the conference.
