Cayman Islands reports record December, 7.1% Canada growth in 2025

The Cayman Islands closed 2025 with record-breaking December visitation and continued growth in stayover arrivals supported by increased airlift capacity and strong performance from Canada and the United States.

December 2025 delivered 54,830 stayover visitors, the highest December in recorded history and a 5.3 per cent increase year over year.

The destination also saw 148,489 cruise passenger arrivals for the month, a 10.4 per cent increase compared to December 2024. 

Total visitation for the month reached 203,319, an increase of 9.0 per cent over December 2024.

"It is truly encouraging to see such strong growth in our stayover arrivals in 2025," ," said Hon. Gary Rutty, deputy premier and minister for tourism. 

"The Cayman Islands continues to stand out from our competitors as a premier destination, and these results reflect the dedication of our tourism industry and our airline partners who continue to invest in our islands."

Source market performance

The United States remained the Cayman Islands' largest source market in 2025 with 370,093 stayover visitors, an increase of 2.7 per cent year over year. 

December showed particularly strong performance with arrivals up 4.8 per centk compared to the same period in 2024. 

The increase was driven by travellers from the Midwest and South regions with notable increase in visitors from major urban centres including Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami–Fort Lauderdale, and Houston. 

This growth can also be attributed to strong airlift from Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago and Minneapolis.

Canada delivered a standout performance in 2025 recording 7.1 per cent growth year on year, becoming the first market to surpass 2019 levels. 

The destination set Canadian monthly visitation records in March, July, September, November, and December, supported by a 9 per cent increase in airline seat capacity. 

The introduction of Porter Airlines service from Toronto and Ottawa in December along with expanded capacity from Air Canada and WestJet contributed significantly to this growth.

The UK and Ireland saw steady performance in 2025, welcoming 15,402 visitors, up 3.1 per cent year over year. 

December was particularly strong, recording 2,017 visitors, the second-highest monthly total ever.

Continental Europe ended 2025 with 5,784 visitors, a decrease of 6.6 per cent compared to 2024. 

However, December showed a promising rebound with arrivals up 4.2 per cent year over year, led by Italy and supported by positive growth from Eastern Europe.

Latin America finished 2025 strong with a 3.0 per cent increase over 2024. 

Growth was strongest from South America, which was up 9.5 per cent year over year. 

December arrivals represented an 8.8 per cent increase compared to December 2024, driven by Honduras, Brazil, and Argentina.

Airlift expansion

A significant contributor to the destination's 2025 performance was strong airlift across major markets culminating in six new North American routes launched in December. 

Total inbound seat capacity for the month reached 88,014 seats, representing a 16 per cent year-over-year increase. 

Notable increases in air seat capacity were recorded from Miami, Chicago, Washington DC, Ottawa and Toronto.

Looking ahead, airlift for January-April 2026 is projected to grow by 18.1 per cent, with 358,512 inbound seats, the strongest first-quarter outlook in recent years.

Accommodation performance

In 2025, the destination's room inventory increased by 119 bedrooms to 8,475 with the increase driven by condos and villas entering the destination's short-term rental pool. 

In 2026, the destination is set to increase its accommodations stock by approximately 500 bedrooms with the opening of One|GT and Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa.

Hotel performance remained strong throughout 2025 with STR Inc. recording a 2.8 per cent increase in the destination's average daily rate and a 3.2 per cent increase in revenue per available room compared to 2024.

"2025 was an exceptional year for the Cayman Islands, not only because of our record-breaking December results, but due to the consistent demand we saw from our key markets throughout the year," said Rosa Harris, director of tourism. 

"Our investment in global marketing, travel trade engagement, and public relations across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the UK, and Europe continues to yield strong returns. Canada's record-breaking year, in particular, reinforces the importance of innovative PR initiatives, targeted outreach, and close collaboration with our airline partners."

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