The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has introduced that cruise tourism exceeded expectations in 2022, with 743,394 cruise passengers visiting the islands by the tip of the 12 months. This marks a major rebound for the vacation spot, and a stunning one, given the late begin that the Cayman Islands had post-pandemic.
The Cayman Islands opened as much as cruise tourism comparatively late final 12 months, with strict well being and security measures stopping the cruise business from returning to the favored island earlier than March 2022.
Cruise Ships Return to the Cayman Islands
The return of cruise ships to the Cayman Islands in March 2022 was a major milestone for the vacation spot, because it marked the revival of an business severely impacted by the pandemic. By December 2022, the islands had welcomed 261 ships and over 743,000 cruise passengers, exceeding the federal government’s annual targets.
Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport, acknowledged the significance of cruise tourism for the vacation spot, stating: “Cruise tourism is the epicenter of Caymanian entrepreneurship, representing a higher percentage of local business owners than any other aspect of tourism and is a vital part of our tourism offering.”
The return of cruise ships has been a much-needed enhance for the native financial system, with companies comparable to transport and water sports activities operators benefitting from the elevated customer numbers.
Complex Relationship Between Cruise Lines and Cayman Islands
It’s price noting that the Cayman Islands had been one of many staunchest proponents of banning cruise tourism to the islands through the pandemic. The nation had applied strict protocols and procedures to stop the unfold of the virus, which had a major influence on the tourism business.
The authorities’s strategy had led to a problematic relationship with cruise firms, as they may not dock on the islands for an prolonged interval, and whereas some calls have been even cancelled on the final minute.
However, with the phased strategy to reopening the nation, the federal government allowed cruise ships to return to the islands in March 2022.
The choice was met with some controversy, with locals involved in regards to the dangers of one other outbreak of the virus. Nevertheless, the federal government determined that the return of cruise ships in a managed method was essential to assist revive the native financial system.
“We were pleased with the number of cruise visitors in 2022 and will continue to actively manage the volume of cruises both in terms of the quality of ships in port and the number of passengers who embark on our shores. We look forward to bringing cruise tourism back in a measured and sustainable way in 2023,” Bryan continued.
Looking Forward to 2023
The Cayman Islands has set an total objective of 70% of 2019’s customer numbers for 2023, and Kenneth Bryan is assured that the Cayman Islands will obtain this objective. In 2019, the Cayman Islands welcomed some 1.83 million cruise ship visitors, which might imply for 2023, the objective is about for round 1.2 million passengers to set foot in George Town, the Island nation’s capital.
The rebound in cruise tourism is a constructive improvement for the Cayman Islands, which had been hit exhausting by the pandemic. With the profitable return of cruise ships to the islands, the federal government is eager for a gentle restoration within the tourism business.
The authorities’s choice to permit cruise ships to dock on the islands has been a controversial one, however the success of the 2022 cruise season has proven that cruise ship arrivals could be managed safely and sustainably.
Fifty-four cruise ships are scheduled to go to the Cayman Islands in 2023 throughout 403 scheduled calls. The vessels characterize quite a lot of cruise strains, together with Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises.