Cayman Islands Achieves Record December and Strong Visitor Growth for 2025
The Cayman Islands has marked a significant achievement by recording the highest December visitation numbers in its history. As the year 2025 closed, the destination reported a total of 54,830 stayover visitors in December, reflecting a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, cruise passenger arrivals reached 148,489, representing a 10.4% rise over December 2024. Overall, total visitation for the month, combining stayover and cruise passengers, hit 203,319, an increase of 9.0% year-over-year.
Cayman Islands’ Strong Visitor Growth for 2025
The year 2025 has proven to be exceptional for the Cayman Islands, supported by enhanced airlift capacity and robust performance across key markets, particularly from Canada and the United States.
December Performance Highlights
- Stayover visitors: 54,830
- Cruise passenger arrivals: 148,489
- Total visitors: 203,319
- Overall visitation increase: 9.0%
Hon. Gary Rutty, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, praised the results and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving these numbers. He expressed optimism about the future growth of the tourism sector.
Source Markets Overview
The United States remains the largest market for the Cayman Islands, contributing 370,093 stayover visitors in 2025, a 2.7% increase year-on-year. A notable rise in arrivals was recorded in December, particularly from travelers in the Midwest and South. Key urban centers such as Chicago and Miami showed strong growth.
Canada emerged as a standout market with a growth rate of 7.1% year-over-year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Major monthly visitation records were set in various months, including December, aided by increased airline capacity and new service introductions from Porter Airlines and others.
In the UK and Ireland, 15,402 visitors were recorded for the year, marking a 3.1% increase. Conversely, Continental Europe saw a slight decline overall but experienced a rebound in December with a 4.2% rise in visitors.
Air Travel Contributions
Improved airlift significantly influenced the year’s performance, with six new North American routes launched in December. Total inbound seat capacity reached 88,014, an increase of 16% from the previous year.
- Notable increases in air capacity from: Miami, Chicago, Washington DC, Ottawa, and Toronto.
- Projected airlift growth for January–April 2026: 18.1%.
Accommodation and Market Outlook
In terms of accommodations, the Cayman Islands added 119 new bedrooms in 2025, bringing the total inventory to 8,475. This expansion is set to continue with the opening of additional properties in 2026.
The average daily rate for hotels saw an increase of 2.8%, while revenue per available room rose by 3.2% compared to 2024, according to STR Inc.
Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of international marketing and the value of partnerships in achieving such impressive results. She noted that this strategic focus will support continued visitor growth in the coming years.
As the Cayman Islands prepares for 2026, the tourism sector stands poised for further expansion, underpinned by strong airlift and a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience.
