Canadian arrivals to Cayman Islands rise 41% as winter flights expand

Canadian stayover arrivals to the Cayman Islands rose 41 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, with expanded winter air service set to bring more options for Canadian travellers.

Canada accounted for approximately 24 per cent of the destination’s overall increase in stayover visitors between January and September, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT).

Winter schedules launching in December will bring a record 15 flights per week from Canada, with service from Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines, the department said.

September marked the eighth record month for Canadian visitation this year. Canadian arrivals increased 32 per cent compared with September 2025, following a 36 per cent increase the previous year.

CIDOT attributed the Canadian market’s growth to targeted marketing, public relations and travel trade initiatives, alongside increased airline service and capacity.

Eleven consecutive months of growth

Across all source markets, the Cayman Islands welcomed 15,303 stayover visitors in September, up 18.4 per cent year over year. It was the destination’s strongest monthly growth rate of 2026 and its 11th consecutive month of rising stayover arrivals.

From January through September, stayover arrivals reached 376,495, an increase of 11.3 per cent, or 38,110 additional visitors, compared with the same period in 2025.

“Reaching 11 consecutive months of growth is an encouraging milestone, but what is especially significant is the consistency of that performance,” Gary Rutty, deputy premier and minister for tourism and trade development, said.

“Tourism is a year-round industry for the Cayman Islands, and maintaining strong visitor demand beyond our traditional peak season is important for the businesses and workers whose livelihoods rely on it.”

The United States remained a major driver of September’s results, contributing 11,674 stayover visitors, up 22.8 per cent year over year.

Cruise arrivals also increased, with 41,305 passengers visiting in September, up 10 per cent. Combined cruise and stayover visitation reached nearly 1.2 million between January and September, a 6.4 per cent increase.

Hotel revenue climbs

The growth in arrivals was accompanied by stronger hotel performance.

According to hotel intelligence firm STR, September occupancy reached 31.4 per cent, up six percentage points from a year earlier. Average daily rates increased 9.1 per cent, while revenue per available room rose 32.8 per cent.

Hotel room revenue for the first nine months of 2026 increased 19 per cent compared with the same period last year. September marked the 11th consecutive month of hotel room revenue growth.

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