The staycation scheme has been a significant initiative to drive slow season business this year.
Accommodations, restaurants, water sports and attractions have all reported increased business during the Cayman Islands Tourism Association scheme, said Erin Bodden of the association.
“While every effort is made to encourage visitors to come to Cayman [late summer] is not a popular time for leisure travellers as children are heading back to school, the temperatures in the northern region are still moderate and still yet it is hurricane season in the Caribbean,” she said. “These factors compound and cause businesses to either close their doors for a few weeks of the year or operate at a loss. In order for these businesses to survive the slow season they need to get creative with their marketing tactics and deeply discount to attract people to Cayman.”
She said the association came up with staycations as a solution for tourism businesses to promote their product to residents, who can rediscover their own piece of paradise.
“People travel from around the globe to discover the Cayman Islands, while we are lucky enough to live here,” Ms Bodden said. “It is, however, easy to get caught up in the mundane tasks of life and routine does not usually permit for a trip to the Turtle Farm [for example]. So, now is the time to take advantage of the discounts, support a local business and, in turn, the local economy gets a boost.”
Staycations are an opportunity to unwind “without the hassle of immigration, airports and crazy prices,” she said.
Take a little time
Kathy Beaty at Carib Sands Beach Resort in Cayman Brac said that business owners had brought staff and families over to the Sister Islands and many had taken advantage of the lower prices for weekend breaks.
“The main draw for us is the jet service, only 20 minutes and you are here, plus you can leave out on the jet and be back in Grand Cayman with time to go home then to work on Monday,” she said. “Once they stay here they want to come back. Before they leave, many have made reservations for later in the year for holidays and more long weekends.
“Laid Back on the Brac is our trademark and guests from Grand Cayman are enjoying the Sister Island, no stop lights, no traffic, it is safe and family friendly,” Ms Beaty added.
Sherry Lee of Cayman Villas said the company actively promoted staycations to remind residents that the islands are beautiful.
“It is all to easy to get caught up in our day to day lives and sometimes feel like we are on a tread mill. Sometimes taking a little time out for ourselves reminds us just how fortunate we are to be living here,” she said.
Trina Gordon from Sunshine Suites reported that the resort had around 100 local bookings since July and comments had been positive, with vacationers planning return trips.
“This is a great time for the Cayman residents to play tourist and enjoy our Island. I’m creating a ‘Cayman bucket list’ and will choose something to do every weekend,” she said.
Related Videos
