Topic: Cayman Islands Tourism Association
Stingray Awards celebrate the best in tourism
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association's 2025 Stingray Tourism Awards honoured the stars of Cayman’s tourism industry.
Nominations open for Stingray Tourism Awards
Nominations are now open for the Cayman Islands Tourism Association's annual Stingray Tourism Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to the industry across all three islands.
Hoteliers deal with sargassum alone but hope for government help
Hoteliers hit by the current sargassum wave are having to take matters into their own hands to deal with the floating marine algae, after government admitted that there was no national sargassum plan in place.
CITA: Beach erosion hits critical point with Coral Beach closure
Closure of Coral Beach and the demolition of the Royal Palms has renewed talks about a "viable solution" for Seven Mile Beach's erosion.
CITA loses ‘in excess of $50k’ from fundraiser with Black Eyed Peas
Taste of Cayman, typically the most important fundraising event of the year for the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, was a financial flop.
Stayover tourism numbers show recent decline
After a strong start to the high season, by May members started to report a slowdown in bookings for stayover visitors.
Tourism minister calls beach erosion an ‘environmental and economic emergency’
Government has announced a proposed means of financing the cost of beach renourishment, as the urgency, scale and ramifications of the beach erosion crisis were centre stage on Wednesday at the Cayman Islands Tourism Association AGM.
Most tourists opt to stay on island ahead of Hurricane Rafael
While tourists did not leave in droves as the Cayman Islands prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Rafael, some stayover visitors opted to postpone or cancel their vacations here this week, and at least three cruise ships skipped Grand Cayman.
Businesses battle to stay afloat amid cruise decline
Cayman businesses that rely on cruise tourism are facing a battle to stay afloat amid declining ship calls as they urge government to address their plight before it is too late.
Businesses could face higher bills for 2,500 workers already above minimum wage
International comparisons of Cayman's minimum wage have caused some to ask whether the planned increase to $8.75 should go further - but others call for caution because of the knock-on costs to businesses.
January cruise visitors down almost 10,000 on last year
Tourism leaders have pointed to January's rough weather as the main reason behind a significant decline in Cayman's cruise visitor numbers for January, in comparison to the previous year.
Hospitality leaders reject minimum wage grats change
The proposed phasing out of gratuities to supplement a lower minimum wage within the hospitality industry has been met with protest from industry leaders who say the changes will further burden struggling businesses.
CITA president urges more ‘Caymanian flavour’ in tourism
Caymanian entrepreneur and newly re-elected Cayman Islands Tourism Association president Troy Leacock says tourism is at the "tipping point of a crisis" with "insufficient" numbers of Caymanians getting involved in the industry.
Nominations sought for Stingray tourism awards
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is seeking nominations for "hard-working and dedicated individuals" within the local tourism industry for the upcoming Cayman Islands Tourism Awards.
CITA boss: Stingray mishandling ‘unacceptable’
A social media video showing a stingray being taken out of the water and placed on top of a couple has prompted an investigation by the Department of Environment.
Cayman latest hot spot for celebs, models and influencers
Grand Cayman has seen a surge in a more media-friendly breed of celebrity – reality stars and social media influencers.
Staffing, crime top concerns for tourism industry
President of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association Troy Leacock says as Cayman’s winter season looks set to see high visitor numbers, steps need to be taken to tackle the recent spate of robberies on island.
Troy Leacock appointed new tourism association president
Troy Leacock is the new president of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, taking up the role from Marc Langevin, who has served for the past two years.
Cayman on cover of major travel magazine
The bright yellow umbrellas of the Palm Heights hotel on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach feature on the eye-catching cover of the latest issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, which is read by millions.
Slowly, shakily, Cayman’s tourism recovery persists
Six months on from the reopening of Cayman’s borders, the islands are attracting around half the number of tourists that were visiting prior to the pandemic.
Work permit challenges hamper tourism recovery
Recruitment challenges are impacting the recovery of the tourism industry as Cayman businesses attempt to bounce back from COVID-19. Premier Wayne Panton has promised a 'better balance' amid work permit processing delays.
Tourism sector optimistic about phase 5 reopening but concerned about testing
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association, reacting to Cayman moving to phase 5 of its border-reopening plan, said the news is likely to increase guest bookings for the spring break and Easter holidays, but that a requirement for repeated COVID tests for travellers may act as a deterrent.
Tourism chiefs say not enough Caymanians to fill hospitality jobs
Even with every Caymanian who has expressed an interest in working in restaurants and hotels taking up a position, there will still be 600-700 jobs that need to be filled in those fields as the industry gears up to receive growing numbers of visitors, tourism chiefs say.
Tourism returns with a trickle as Cayman prepares for border reopening
Hotel and condo operators have few bookings for "reopening day" in Cayman, but are happy to be back in business after 20 months without tourism.
Government weighs removing verifiable vaccination requirement for Cayman arrivals
The requirement to present a QR code in order to demonstrate an arriving passenger has been verifiably vaccinated could soon be off the table for those travelling to Cayman, according to Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan.
Tourism businesses: ‘We are casualties, not villains’
Tourism business owners are contemplating whether to shut their doors in the face of continued uncertainty over the future of the industry.
Cayman’s tourism leaders condemn delay in reopening
Tourism business leaders have condemned government’s decision to delay the reopening of the border, claiming it is not based on scientific evidence and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Caymanians.
Gov’t tells tourism industry 80% remains as vaccination target
The government has rejected calls from the Cayman Islands Tourism Association to reconsider its target to vaccinate 80% of the population against COVID-19 before launching a soft reopening of the borders to tourists.
Tourism association responds to Cayman reopening plan
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association, while welcoming the government's announcement of a border reopening plan, has raised concerns with a number of elements involved, including the timeline and a lack of consultation with the private sector.
Seaspice gala promises culinary feast
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is hosting a one-night, all-inclusive gourmet gala event called Seaspice on 13 March.
The evening of culinary indulgence will take...
Tourism industry welcomes vaccinations, pre-arrival testing
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is urging all its members, particularly their frontline workers, to be vaccinated as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out locally.
CITA hoping for significant resurrection of tourism by Easter
Cayman’s tourism leaders believe the island could see around 25% of visitors return by Easter of next year - if the right policies are put in place.
Ritz-Carlton boss Marc Langevin new head of CITA
Ritz-Carlton general manager Marc Langevin is the new president of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA.)
Tourism industry to discuss COVID impact at AGM this week
At a time of year when the tourism industry is usually gearing up for its busiest season, this year members of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association will be meeting to discuss how they can survive and re-emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ask the Experts – Reopening the economy
Around 6,000 workers are expected to return to work in one capacity or another as the first phase of reopening Cayman's economy begins. Retailers,...
Businesses face grim reality of life without tourists
Business and tourism leaders are preparing for the possibility that Cayman could be closed to visitors until next year.
Ask The Experts roundtable : Chamber of Commerce / CITA discussion
Have a question about COVID-19's impact on the business and tourism industry in Cayman?
88 nominees vie for Stingray Tourism Awards
The 2019 Cayman Islands Tourism Association received 88 nominations for the annual Stingray Tourism Awards, the highest number ever submitted.
Tourism Association hopeful amid taxi concerns
Unfair and inconsistent taxi pricing remains a major concern for tourism industry figureheads.
Tourism awards nomination deadline extended
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association has extended the nomination deadline for the 16th Annual Stingray Tourism Awards to Friday, 24 May.
Nominations open for Stingray awards
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is calling for nominations for this year’s Stingray Tourism Awards, which recognises the work of individuals and companies in Cayman’s tourism industry.
Taste of Cayman focusses on local culinary delights
The Taste of Cayman Food and Drink Festival returns to the Festival Green in Camana Bay on Saturday.
EDITORIAL – This weekend, dig in to Taste of Cayman
After weeks of waiting, our islands’ appetite is more than sufficiently whetted for this beloved event.
A taste of a Taste of Cayman
The return of Taste of Cayman was announced Wednesday during an islandwide restaurant tour that provided a preview of the main event.
Artist’s lighthearted work highlights Taste of Cayman
Cayman artist Michelle Bryan has been chosen to provide a series of illustrations to help promote the Taste of Cayman food and drink festival, one of Cayman’s longest-running events and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association’s largest annual fundraiser.
Tourism Association stays neutral in port debate
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing debate over government’s plans for new cruise piers in George Town harbor.
EDITORIAL – Insuring the future of our water sports
In 2006, a young Cabinet Minister by the name of Alden McLaughlin tabled in the Legislative Assembly a report titled “Safety of Small Commercial Waterborne Vessels.” The report, prepared by the Office of the Complaints Commissioner, noted some “exemplary operators” but concluded that in the absence of sufficient regulation, others fell far short of “acceptable standards” for equipment, operations and crew training, certification and knowledge.
No insurance or qualifications required for boat businesses
No experience, no qualifications, no insurance? No problem. Setting up a water-sports business in the Cayman Islands is as easy as filling out a form and paying a $75 fee, officials said at a public safety meeting Wednesday.
Restaurant Month has great dining deals
October marks an exciting time on Cayman’s event scene with Restaurant Month 2018.
Restaurant Month begins Monday
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association’s annual Restaurant Month begins Monday.
Jet ski collision on the waterfront
A tourist needed hospital treatment after two jet skis collided on the George Town waterfront Friday afternoon. The incident happened around noon and involved two visitors, one of whom sustained minor injuries, according to police.
Tourism Association presents Stingray Awards
Nancy Easterbrook was honored with a lifetime achievement award on Tuesday evening at the Cayman Islands Tourism Association’s annual Stingray Tourism Awards.
Letter – CITA: Tourist accommodations regulations necessary, positive
The Cayman Compass editorial on Friday, July 13, 2018, “Getting Government out of the Bedroom Business,” is a not a fair and thorough representation of the tourism accommodation licensing process or purpose nor is their “confiscatory” perspective on the 13% Room Accommodation Tax.
Tourism awards deadline extended
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association has announced that it is extending the deadline for nominations for this year’s Stingray Tourism Awards by a week, until midnight, Friday, June 15.
Nominations sought for Stingray tourism awards
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is seeking nominations for the 2018 Cayman Stingray Tourism Awards, which honors top performers in the tourism industry. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday, June 8.
Quad patrols planned to fight crime on the beaches
Police officers on quad bikes could soon be patrolling Seven Mile Beach in an effort to clamp down on crime against tourists.
Powerful panel assembled for tourism meeting
The heads of the police force, port and airport will field questions from tourism industry figures at the Cayman Islands Tourism Association’s annual general meeting, Wednesday.
Tourism plan outlined in Red Bay
Tourism officials highlighted some of the industry’s recent successes and outlined a plan to build on that growth over the next five years at a public meeting in Red Bay Wednesday night.
Meals on Wheels gets boost from Taste of Cayman
The sale of raffle tickets at the annual Taste of Cayman festival earlier this month raised nearly $10,500 for Meals on Wheels and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.
Tourism Association calls for review of Sunday dancing, music restrictions
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is calling on government to review 40-year-old legislation that prohibits restaurants and bars from having dancing and live music in bars on Sundays – a restriction that put a damper on parties last New Year’s Eve since that holiday fell on a Sunday.
Cayman flooded with record 39,000 tourists in January
Tourism arrivals continue to soar, with a record-breaking 39,185 visitors touching down at Grand Cayman’s airport in January.
‘All hands on deck’ at airport
Martin Flaemrich was worried about his family’s Saturday flight from Toronto to Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport.
Taste of Cayman turns 30
Celebrating 30 years, Taste of Cayman hit the Camana Bay festival green Saturday evening with one of its largest showings to date.
Taxi concerns persist amid record year for tourism
Tourism businesses remain concerned about inconsistent pricing and lack of a reliable nighttime service from taxis.
Divers clear debris from Kittiwake dive site
Scuba divers removed debris Monday from the wreck of the USS Kittiwake dive site, which was damaged during a storm last week.
Restaurant Month kicks off on Sunday
Going out for dinner, or dinner and a movie, has always been a date night ritual. Cayman is blessed with so many amazing restaurants, that it has been dubbed the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean – which is why Restaurant Month is highly anticipated every year.
‘It keeps washing in’: Sargassum chokes beaches in wake of Irma
Cayman’s business owners are teaming up to rid the beaches of a smelly vestige of Hurricane Irma. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association sent an advisory this week regarding the seaweed and trash that has been accumulating along Seven Mile Beach.
Tourism students and graduates attend networking event
Past, current and new recipients of tourism scholarships gathered earlier this month to network and build relationships. The Ministry and Department of Tourism hosted the annual Tourism Scholar Networking Reception at Luca restaurant on West Bay Road.
CITA implores government, police to prioritize crime control
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association has called on government and law enforcement to step up crime-response efforts following a recent rash of burglaries and robberies. The association called the crime wave “a grave concern” for the tourism sector, and implored government to prioritize community response.
Tourism Association elects new president, Board
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association has elected Theresa Leacock-Broderick as its new president. Ms. Leacock-Broderick, who previously served as vice president, succeeds Kenneth Hydes of Dart Real Estate.
Pensions Law changes could spur exodus of up to 2,500 workers
The Cayman Islands could face an exodus of up to 2,500 foreign workers before the end of 2017 as a result of changes to the Pensions Law that prevent expats from cashing out their retirement savings when they leave the country, business leaders have warned.
Heroes Day honors leaders in tourism
Pioneers in the Cayman Islands tourism sector were at the heart of National Heroes Day celebrations on Monday as honors were bestowed on more than 400 tourism contributors in George Town’s Heroes Square.
