Canada drives record growth in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands welcomed 49,075 stayover visitors in February 2026, representing a 10.1 per cent increase year over year and marking the second-strongest February on record.

Canada led February’s performance and continued its record-setting momentum with double-digit percentage increases in stayover visitation for the fourth consecutive month, according to The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

The destination recorded 6,102 visitors from Canada in February – a 47.0 per cent increase year over year and the highest monthly visitation total ever recorded from the market.

Canada’s performance continues to emerge as a key driver of the destination’s overall growth.

Total visitation for the month – including both stayover visitors and cruise passengers – reached 208,992 visitors, reflecting a 7.3 per cent increase year over year.

Overall, this strong February performance builds on January’s record-breaking results, with year-to-date stayover arrivals reaching 95,112 visitors, an 11.8 per cent increase over the same period in 2025.

“Delivering one of the strongest February performances in our history, following a record-breaking January, demonstrates the continued success of our strategic focus on airlift expansion, targeted marketing and strong industry partnerships,” said the Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development. “The Cayman Islands continues to perform at a high level across multiple markets, reinforcing our position as a leading premium destination in the Caribbean.”

Canada leads growth

CIDOT’s says its investment in advertising and public relations in Canada continued to pay dividends as the market maintained its exceptional momentum, recording 6,102 visitors in February – a 47.0 per cent increase year over year and the highest monthly visitation total ever recorded from the market.

The performance reflects sustained demand and significant airlift expansion, including increased service from Toronto and new service from Ottawa.

Inbound airlift capacity from Canada increased by 20.9 per cent in February 2026.

The United States remained the destination’s largest source market, generating 38,673 stayover visitors in February, an increase of 5.4 per cent year over year and the second-highest February total on record.

Hotel performance in February also remained strong with global hotel intelligence firm, STR Inc. recording an 8.7 per cent increase in the destination’s average daily rate (ADR) over the same period in 2025.

The Cayman Islands is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory throughout the first quarter of 2026, the department of tourism said.

“Cayman’s visitor chooses our destination due to its accessibility, safety and premium positioning,” said Director of Tourism Rosa Harris in a statement.

“February’s performance reflects the strength of our global demand and the effectiveness of our strategic investment in developing emerging markets. We look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful results for the destination.”