The Cayman Islands announced record-setting tourism growth, with March 2026 marking the strongest month for stayover arrivals in the destination’s history; driven in large part by a sharp increase in Canadian travellers.
The destination saw 64,213 stayover visitors in March, the first time monthly arrivals have surpassed the 60,000 mark. Total visitation, including cruise passengers, reached 221,731—up 12.6% year-over-year.
The Canadian visitor market grew 49% year-over-year in March, with 6,711 visitor, setting a new monthly record.
That growth has been supported by expanded airlift, including increased service from Air Canada and WestJet, alongside new routes from Porter Airlines out of Toronto and Ottawa.
“This record-breaking winter season underscores the strength of the Cayman Islands’ tourism strategy and the resilience of our destination,” said Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism.
“Exceptional growth from Canada and sustained increases in airlift demonstrate the confidence travellers continue to place in the Cayman Islands. These results deliver real economic benefits for our people.”
Canada is now emerging as one of the destination’s fastest-growing source markets and played an instrumental role in what officials are calling the best winter season on record. Between December and March, the Cayman Islands welcomed 215,165 stayover visitors, with record-breaking numbers in December and January and a near-record February.
“Canada is of our most important visitor markets,” said Raymond Mathias, Canada Business Development Manager, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
“Canadians are discerning and the growth we're seeing is a direct reflection of what Cayman offers: ease of access and a level of sophistication that meets their expectations. That's why this market continues to thrive, and why we remain fully committed to nurturing it.”
The strong demand is also translating into solid hotel performance. According to STR data, occupancy rose 14% in March, while average daily rates increased 5.5% and revenue per available room jumped more than 20%.
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