People in the tourism industry have lots of interesting ideas to lure visitors to our shores.
Many of them would actually work, but the problem seems to be execution – getting everyone on board.
One of those ideas is to market empty condominiums as short-term rentals under one umbrella.
Many private condo owners already do this and several websites can be found by searching the Internet for condo rentals in the Cayman Islands.
Tourism guru Harry Lalli and other members of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association would like to see condo owners who already rent out for long term, consider short-term rentals.
There has actually been a plan in progress for two years – the Strategic Selling Unit, which would be a booking engine for condominium owners. It would increase the exposure given to condos, private villas and smaller properties throughout the Cayman Islands.
For the programme to work, though, the Department of Tourism and condominium properties have to come on board.
And they should.
CITA has a win-win solution for all involved.
And that includes the sectors that service our visitors.
Those staying in condominiums buy food and necessities at our supermarkets, eat out at our restaurants, drink at our pubs because unlike hotels, condominium properties don’t have those amenities.
Too, those who choose to stay in condominiums for their short-term visits have access to washers and dryers, which means they don’t have to pack as much clothing as when staying at a hotel, and maid service is included in the package.
Even those who are searching only for a condominium for short-term rental in Cayman will also be exposed to hotels on Grand Cayman. So even that sector gets additional marketing for no cash outlay. As Lalli says, those searching the Internet may not realise that Grand Cayman is home to a luxurious Ritz-Carlton or branded hotels like the Westin.
The Observer on Sunday really hopes that all of the parties with interest in condominiums and tourism in the Cayman Islands can come together and make CITA’s plan an actuality. This truly is a win-win situation for all involved and could be another way to boost our stay-over numbers.
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