The Cayman Islands Division 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 objectives.
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 the next proportion of native enterprise house owners than every other side of tourism and is an important a part of our tourism providing.”
The return of cruise ships has been a much-needed enhance for the native financial system, with companies resembling transport and water sports activities operators benefitting from the elevated customer numbers.
Complicated Relationship Between Cruise Traces 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 impression on the tourism business.
The federal government’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 had been even cancelled on the final minute.
Nevertheless, 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. Nonetheless, the federal government determined that the return of cruise ships in a managed method was obligatory to assist revive the native financial system.
“We had been happy with the variety of cruise guests in 2022 and can proceed to actively handle the amount of cruises each when it comes to the standard of ships in port and the variety of passengers who embark on our shores. We sit up for bringing cruise tourism again in a measured and sustainable approach in 2023,” Bryan continued.
Trying Ahead to 2023
The Cayman Islands has set an general 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 company, which might imply for 2023, the objective is ready for round 1.2 million passengers to set foot in George City, the Island nation’s capital.
The rebound in cruise tourism is a optimistic improvement for the Cayman Islands, which had been hit arduous 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 federal government’s determination 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 a wide range of cruise strains, together with Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises.
