AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Cayman health officials say the risk remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport starts next Thursday as regional monitoring ramps up. Tourism Growth: April stayover arrivals hit a record 47,884 (+12% vs April 2025), with total visitor arrivals (including cruise) up 37% year-on-year to 173,596. Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways is nominated for World Travel Awards 2026 and is pushing demand with new US network growth, including a new nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin, Texas route. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA report names the Cayman Islands the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families, with a 9% year-over-year increase in family-sized travel parties. On-Island Experiences: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales, powered by a free hop-on hop-off bus network. Wildlife Spotlight: Marine scientists tagged their first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” on Grand Cayman to track movements between nesting events. Safety & Security: Two men accused of mugging tourists near Seven Mile Beach face trial in August; RCIPS also reports a separate early-morning robbery investigation in George Town.

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways is pushing growth with World Travel Awards 2026 nominations and a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas—highlighting Texas as a key source market and Austin’s culture/tech appeal. Tourism Performance: Cayman posted its best April on record for stayovers (47,884, +12% vs April 2025) and strong overall arrivals when cruises are included. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA Caribbean trends report names the Cayman Islands the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for family-sized travel parties (+9% year over year). Regional Tourism Leadership: Cayman tourism leaders are in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, as ministers align on “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” with airline connectivity a major theme. On-Island Experiences: Seven Mile Beach is spotlighted as ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, and Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance and strong sales. Public Health Watch: Enhanced Ebola screening continues regionally; Cayman says risk remains low while monitoring selected incoming flights. Safety & Security: RCIPS reported a mugging trial set for August and a separate incident where an officer was struck during a Seven Mile Public Beach operation.

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways is pushing ahead with new demand signals, including a nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin, Texas route launched last weekend and World Travel Awards 2026 nominations (vote by 19 June). Tourism Performance: Cayman posted its best April on record for stayovers, with 47,884 arrivals (+12% vs April 2025), and cruise-inclusive total arrivals up 37% year-on-year. Regional Tourism Leadership: Cayman joined Caribbean Week in New York, where CTO leaders and ministers focused on “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” plus airline trend discussions. Culture & Visitor Experience: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance across all islands, strong gallery sales, and a free hop-on hop-off bus network (including first-time Cayman Brac service). Public Health: Ebola risk remains assessed as low, but enhanced screening/monitoring continues for selected incoming flights; surveillance of BA253 passengers has ended with no concerns. Safety & Security: Two men accused of mugging tourists near Seven Mile Beach face trial in August; RCIPS also reported a separate incident where an officer was struck during a Seven Mile Public Beach operation. Nature & Conservation: Marine scientists tagged their first 2026 loggerhead turtle nesting on Grand Cayman (“Amber”), using satellite and acoustic tracking to map movements. Travel Planning Alerts: Residents were warned about Saharan dust affecting air quality, with advice to limit exposure, especially for people with respiratory conditions.

Ebola Preparedness at ORIA: Cayman health officials say the risk remains low, but enhanced screening for selected incoming flights will start next Thursday, with travellers urged to fully cooperate with monitoring. BA253 Surveillance Ends: Precautionary monitoring of passengers tied to the Ebola scare on BA253 has concluded with no illnesses reported; ESTA impacts are expected to be restored. Tourism Growth Update: Cayman posted its best April on record for stayovers—47,884 visitors (+12% vs April 2025)—and 173,596 total arrivals including cruises (+37%). New Airlift to Texas: Cayman Airways launched a nonstop Grand Cayman–Austin, Texas route, citing strong demand from a key US market. BermudAir Expands Regional Flights: BermudAir will launch presales for direct Grand Cayman service plus nonstop Turks & Caicos flights, boosting winter connectivity. Family Travel Momentum: A new Amadeus–CHTA report names Cayman the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families (+9% year over year). Cayman Art Week Wraps: CAW26 drew record crowds across all three islands, with strong sales and a free hop-on hop-off bus network. Conservation Spotlight: Marine scientists tagged their first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” to track nesting and movements across the Caribbean. Safety & Security: RCIPS reported a mugging investigation after two tourists were robbed near Seven Mile Beach, with trial set for August; police also arrested a suspect after an officer was injured during a vehicle escape attempt.

Air Connectivity Boost: Cayman Airways launched a new nonstop route between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty citing strong Texas demand and Austin’s growing share of visitors. New Flights on the Horizon: BermudAir announced presales for direct service to Grand Cayman plus nonstop flights to Turks & Caicos, aiming to strengthen winter schedules and regional connectivity. Tourism Momentum: Cayman Islands posted its best April on record for stayover arrivals (47,884), up 12% year-over-year, with total visitor arrivals rising sharply when cruise passengers are included. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA report says Cayman is the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for family-sized travel parties, with a 9% year-over-year increase. Culture & Visitor Experience: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance across all three islands, strong gallery sales, and high take-up of free hop-on hop-off CAW buses. Marine Conservation: Scientists tagged their first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” with satellite and acoustic tracking to study movements between nesting events. Public Safety & Health: RCIPS reported a mugging trial set for August and a separate incident where an officer was struck during a joint operation; meanwhile, health officials issued warnings about Saharan dust affecting air quality and breathing.

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways says strong demand is behind its new nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman route, with Tourism Minister Gary Rutty noting Texas is a key US market and Austin already drives a meaningful share of visitors. Family Travel Momentum: A new Amadeus–CHTA Caribbean Travel Trends report calls the Cayman Islands the Caribbean’s fastest-growing family destination, citing a 9% year-over-year rise in family-sized arrivals. Stayover Records: April delivered the Cayman Islands’ best April on record for stayovers (47,884), up 12% versus April 2025, with total arrivals (including cruise) also jumping 37%. Marine Conservation: The Department of Environment tagged its first 2026 loggerhead turtle, “Amber,” after she nested on Grand Cayman, using satellite and acoustic tracking to map her movements across the Caribbean. On-Island Safety & Security: Two men accused of mugging tourists near Seven Mile Beach face trial in August, while RCIPS also reported a separate weekend policing operation at Camana Bay’s “Out of This World” Music Fest. Health Watch (Ebola): Cayman’s precautionary monitoring tied to BA253 has ended with no Ebola cases, though screening continues for travellers from affected areas. Public Health (Saharan Dust): Officials issued a dust alert urging residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—to limit outdoor exposure as air quality may worsen. Regional Tourism Scene: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings ministers and airline leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” highlighting shifting travel preferences toward cultural and regenerative experiences. What’s New for Visitors: Seven Mile Beach is spotlighted as a top Caribbean stand-up paddleboarding spot thanks to calm, shallow, clear water.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region—including Cayman—gathered at InterContinental New York Times Square for the CTO summit (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen market share, connectivity and resilience as traveller tastes shift toward culture-led and regenerative trips. Cayman Tourism Momentum: Cayman posted its best April on record for stayovers—47,884, up 12% year-on-year—while total arrivals (stayover + cruise) hit 173,596, up 37%, supporting optimism heading into the slower summer season. New Air Links: BermudAir announced presales for a direct Grand Cayman route plus non-stop Turks & Caicos service, while Cayman Airways launched its Austin–Grand Cayman nonstop on May 24, adding fresh winter and leisure access. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA trends report names Cayman the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families, with a 9% year-over-year rise in family-sized travel parties. Local Culture Spotlight: Cayman Art Week 2026 wrapped with record attendance, a biggest-ever gallery opening night crowd, and strong early signals for art sales. Public Health & Safety: Health officials concluded Ebola-related surveillance for BA253 passengers with no concerns, and warned residents to prepare for Saharan dust impacts. Community Updates: RCIPS reported a Seven Mile Public Beach incident leading to an arrest, and highlighted policing support at the Out of This World Music Fest.

New Airlift for Visitors: Cayman Airways launched its first-ever nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman route on May 24, with celebrations in both cities and hopes the Texas connection will boost summer demand. Record Stayover Momentum: Cayman posted its best April on record with 47,884 stayover visitors (+12% year over year) and 173,596 total arrivals including cruise (+37%), driven by strong US and Canada growth. Family Travel Trend: A new Caribbean Travel Trends report says Cayman is the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families, with a 9% year-over-year rise in family-sized travel parties. Health & Safety Alerts: Residents were urged to stay indoors and protect respiratory health as a Saharan dust cloud moves through the islands, with the heaviest impact expected Wednesday. Travel Readiness: The Passport and Corporate Services Office reminded residents to check passport validity and entry requirements ahead of hurricane season. Regional Tourism Strategy: Cayman joined Caribbean Week in New York, where CTO leaders and airline analysts focused on air connectivity and airline trends shaping Caribbean tourism. Local Crime Watch: RCIPS investigated a residential mugging in George Town and reported a separate incident involving a suspect who knocked down an officer during an escape attempt.

New Air Links: BermudAir says it will launch direct service to Grand Cayman this week (via Turks & Caicos), with flights going on sale Friday, adding winter capacity and boosting regional connectivity. Public Health: The Ministry of Health and Public Health Department are urging residents to prepare for Saharan dust, with a weather-service alert running today through Thursday and the heaviest impact expected Wednesday; people with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to take extra precautions and stay indoors as much as possible. Safety & Security: RCIPS reports a high-visibility policing operation at Camana Bay’s “Out of This World” Music Fest, plus a separate early-morning George Town mugging investigation; police ask the public to share any CCTV or video from the area. Tourism Momentum: Cayman logged a record April for stayover tourism—47,884 visitors (+12% year over year)—and total arrivals reached 173,596 (+37% with cruise included), supported by stronger U.S. demand and improving airlift. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA Caribbean trends report names Cayman the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for families, with 3–5 person travel parties rising and larger groups delivering strong value. Travel Prep: With Atlantic hurricane season starting Monday, residents are reminded to check passport validity and protect travel documents ahead of storms. Industry Watch: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1, with Cayman representatives among tourism leaders discussing airline trends and airlift as competition intensifies.

Tourism Growth: Cayman Islands hit a new high for April, welcoming 47,884 stayover visitors (+12% vs April 2025) and 173,596 total arrivals including cruise (+37%), with officials pointing to stronger US demand and improved airlift. New Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched the first nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas (inaugural May 24), adding a fresh US gateway and boosting convenience for visitors. Family Travel Demand: A new Amadeus–CHTA Caribbean trends report names Cayman the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination for family travel, with family-sized parties (3–5) taking a bigger share of arrivals. Regional Tourism Leadership: Cayman is represented at Caribbean Week in New York (June 1–5), where ministers and industry leaders are focusing on connectivity, resilience, and unified Caribbean branding; airline analyst Henry Harteveldt headlines June 3 on airline trends. Public Health & Safety: Residents were urged to stay indoors as Sahara dust levels rise, while RCIPS continues investigating a residential mugging and reminds people to stay vigilant late at night. Travel Readiness: The Passport and Corporate Services Office reminded residents to check passport validity and prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season.

Airlift & Marketing in Focus: Henry Harteveldt is set to keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference during Caribbean Week in New York (June 3), zeroing in on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean air connectivity. Caribbean Week Momentum: CTO’s Caribbean Week (June 1-5) is drawing ministers and commissioners across the region, including Cayman, under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Cayman Tourism Surge: Cayman logged a record April with 47,884 stay-over visitors (+12% vs April 2025) and 173,596 total arrivals including cruise (+37%), with growth led by the U.S. and Canada. New Direct Route: Cayman Airways launched the first nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas (inaugural May 24), with officials calling it a major boost to a fast-growing U.S. market. Travel Readiness: Residents are reminded to check passport validity and prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season. Ebola Watch: The WHO’s Ebola emergency in the DRC is driving tighter travel restrictions and screening across multiple countries, with potential knock-on effects for Caribbean travel planning.

Tourism Growth: Cayman Islands tourism keeps climbing—April delivered a record 47,884 stay-over visitors (+12% vs April 2025) and 173,596 total arrivals including cruise (+37%), with US demand leading and Canada posting six straight months of double-digit growth. Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched its first nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman service on May 24, adding a new US gateway and betting on Texas demand to sustain momentum into the slower summer season. Luxury Lodging: The Watermark, an ultra-prime Seven Mile Beach development, has begun owner occupancy, signaling continued investment in high-end stays. Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Caribbean Week in New York drew strong ministerial turnout, with Cayman among the delegations, as leaders push for “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” and stronger marketing partnerships. Health & Travel Risk: Ebola-related restrictions are tightening globally after WHO’s emergency declaration in the DRC, with more screening and entry bans rolling out across multiple countries—an ongoing wildcard for travel planning. Document Safety: Residents are reminded to check passport validity and protect travel documents ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Air Access Boost: Cayman Airways launched its first-ever nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas on May 24, adding a new U.S. gateway as officials cite strong Texas demand and the route’s tourism and trade impact. Tourism Performance: Cayman recorded a record April with 47,884 stay-over visitors (+12% vs April 2025) and 173,596 total arrivals including cruise (+37%), driven by U.S. growth and continued Canada momentum. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1 with a strong turnout of Caribbean tourism ministers and a June 3 marketing conference featuring airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. Travel Risk Watch: Ebola-related travel restrictions are tightening across countries as the DRC outbreak worsens, with screening and entry bans affecting travelers from affected regions. Visitor Readiness: Cayman’s Passport and Corporate Services Office urged residents to check passport validity and protect documents ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Air Access Boost: Cayman Airways launched its first-ever nonstop service between Grand Cayman and Austin, Texas on May 24, with celebrations in both cities and Tourism Minister Gary Rutty calling it a major step for Cayman’s airlift and stayover growth. Tourism Records: New figures show Cayman welcomed 47,884 stay-over visitors in April—up 12% year over year and 3.9% above the prior April record (2019)—while cruise passenger arrivals in George Town hit 145,707, the highest April total since before the pandemic. Summer Readiness: Officials say the strong April follows a record-setting first quarter and positions the islands to handle the typically slower summer season, with hotel occupancy, room rates, and tourism revenues all rising. Visitor Safety Reminder: Residents were urged to check passport validity and protect travel documents ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Regional Health Watch: As Ebola concerns rise in the DRC and Uganda, Cayman and other Caribbean territories have strengthened screening and monitoring, with CARPHA activating regional early-warning support.

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched its first nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman service on May 24, with celebrations in both cities and Tourism Minister Gary Rutty calling Austin a fast-growing Texas gateway. Tourism Performance: Cayman posted a record April for stayover tourism—47,884 visitors (+12% vs April 2025)—and cruise arrivals of 145,707, lifting total arrivals to 173,596 (+37%). Luxury Real Estate: The Watermark, an ultra-prime Seven Mile Beach development, has begun owner occupancy on Grand Cayman. Regional Health & Travel: As an Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda worsens, countries tightened entry rules and Caribbean health agencies—including CARPHA—activated monitoring and screening support, with Cayman among territories strengthening measures. Business & Finance: Premier André Ebanks is in Trinidad and New York to deepen international financial services relationships and regulatory engagement. Industry Spotlight: Henry Harteveldt is set to keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference during Caribbean Week in New York, focusing on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean airlift.

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched its first nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman service on May 24, with Minister Gary Rutty calling it a major tourism and economy boost and highlighting Austin’s growing role as a U.S. travel gateway. Tourism Performance: Cayman tourism hit a record in April, welcoming 47,884 stayover visitors (+12% vs April 2025) and 145,707 cruise passengers in George Town, bringing total arrivals to 173,596 (+37%). Industry Momentum: Officials point to stronger U.S. demand and six straight months of double-digit Canadian growth, plus rising hotel occupancy and rates, as Cayman heads into the slower summer season with momentum. Document Prep: Residents were reminded to check passport validity and protect travel documents ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season. Regional Health Watch: As Ebola concerns rise in the DRC and Uganda, CARPHA and some Caribbean territories—including Cayman—have strengthened screening and monitoring, while multiple countries tighten entry rules. Finance & Partnerships: Premier André Ebanks is in Trinidad and New York to deepen international financial services relationships and regulatory engagement. Luxury Real Estate: The Watermark, an ultra-prime Seven Mile Beach development, has begun owner occupancy. Global Spotlight: Cayman was mentioned among destinations featured in a Caribbean Week marketing push, with airline analyst Henry Harteveldt set to keynote a Caribbean marketing conference in New York.