AGP Executive Report

Hyatt Loyalty Boost: World of Hyatt is refreshing its “new hotel” promotion, including Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, with bonus points now tied to a specific “New Hotel Member Bonus Offer” rate plan (2X points up to 25K per stay, capped). Wildlife & Environment: Cayman’s environment minister has halted the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands, citing concerns about trapping and euthanising methods and leaving sensitive native species more exposed. Tourism Numbers: August stay-over visitors hit 27,445 (+9.2% year-on-year) for a tenth straight month of growth, while cruise passengers rose to 50,960 (+3.7%). Diving & Marine Life: A rough-toothed dolphin was seriously injured after entanglement in a discarded net off Seven Mile Beach; local rehab capacity is limited, so specialist care would be needed elsewhere. Cruise & Hospitality Moves: Margaritaville at Sea announced 30 new 2028 itineraries with calls including Grand Cayman; Dart’s Cayman hotels earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys (Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire, Palm Heights). Local Transport Pilot: A free Eastern Link public transport shuttle launches in East End and North Side, connecting to Frank Sound Junction for a four-month trial.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, marking a tenth straight month of stay-over growth; cruise arrivals rose 3.7% to 50,960, with the U.S. and Canada driving demand. Wildlife & Environment: The environment minister has halted the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands, pausing shooting at capture sites after consultation tied to a National Conservation Act amendment. Marine Life Incident: A dolphin entangled in a discarded net off Seven Mile Beach was freed by divers but likely needs 6–12 months of specialist rehab, which Cayman lacks locally. Local Transport Pilot: A free Eastern Link public transport shuttle launches in East End and North Side, connecting residents to Frank Sound Junction as a four-month pilot. Cruise & Air Access: British Airways brought urgent supplies and returned Cayman residents/students; Carnival Miracle is repositioning via George Town on its way to Galveston. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Cayman hotels earned 2026 MICHELIN Key selections, including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire, and Palm Heights. Culture: A new exhibit at the Cayman Collections Centre honours costume icon Reba Dilbert.

Parliament & Tourism Policy: Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon was sworn in as an ex-officio MP as Parliament’s 2026-27 session began on 30 September, with 14 reports tabled including annual updates for the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration and the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development. Wildlife & Marine Safety: A rough-toothed dolphin was seriously injured after becoming entangled in a discarded fishing net off Seven Mile Beach; local divers cut it free, but the Department of Environment says Cayman lacks specialist marine mammal rehabilitation facilities. Visitor Numbers: August stay-over arrivals hit 27,445, up 9.2% year-on-year for a tenth straight month of growth, while cruise passenger arrivals rose 3.7% to 50,960. Local Transport: The Public Transport Unit launched a free four-month Eastern Link pilot in East End and North Side, running Monday to Saturday and connecting districts via Frank Sound Junction. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Cayman hotels earned 2026 MICHELIN Key selections, with The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; and Palm Heights all recognized. Cruise Connectivity: Carnival Miracle is repositioning from Seattle to Galveston, with a stop in George Town, supporting winter sailings across the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, marking a tenth straight month of stay-over growth; cruise passenger arrivals rose 3.7% to 50,960, with the U.S. and Canada driving gains. Wildlife & Diving: A rough-toothed dolphin was seriously injured after becoming entangled in a discarded fishing net off Seven Mile Beach; local divers cut it free, but Cayman lacks a marine mammal rehab facility, meaning recovery could take 6–12 months. Air Access & Supplies: A British Airways flight landed in Grand Cayman with urgent pharmaceuticals, PPE and test kits, and returned 58 Caymanian students and residents for supervised isolation and testing. Local Transport Pilot: The Public Transport Unit launches the free Eastern Link shuttle pilot in East End and North Side, connecting to Frank Sound Junction with three district loops. Marine Education: CCMI will award 400+ scholarships for Year 6 students to attend a Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman, expanding its education programme across government schools. Culture Spotlight: Cayman Collections Centre opened an exhibit honouring costume icon Reba Dilbert, celebrating her role in Batabano and Pirates Week. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Grand Cayman hotels earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys, including The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire and Palm Heights. Travel Rules Update: New DOA requirements for importing dogs and cats take effect Oct 1, including updated prohibited breed restrictions and digital signatures on health certificates.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August (+9.2% vs. August 2025) for a tenth straight month of growth; cruise arrivals rose to 50,960 (+3.7%), with the U.S. driving most gains and Canada up 18.2%. Cruise Connectivity: Carnival Miracle is repositioning from Seattle to Galveston via the Panama Canal, with a stop in George Town on the way. Air Access: British Airways landed in Grand Cayman with urgent supplies and returned 58 Caymanian students/residents to supervised isolation, with more repatriation travel planned. Hotel Spotlight: Dart’s Cayman properties earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys recognition, including The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire and Palm Heights. Real Estate & Development: A 4.3-acre seafront parcel in Spotts (Beach Resort/Residential zoning) is listed as a major waterfront opportunity for resort or mixed-use concepts. Family Travel: Resorts are leaning harder into kid zones and full programming, reflecting a shift toward active, education-led experiences. Local Policy: New DOA rules for importing dogs and cats take effect Oct 1, updating breed restrictions and health certificate requirements. Public Transport Pilot: A free Eastern Link shuttle launches in East End and North Side, connecting districts to Frank Sound Junction for four months. Culture: “A Reba Dilbert Creation” opened at the Cayman Collections Centre, celebrating the costume icon’s legacy.

Culture & Heritage: West Bay’s Cayman Collection Center opened an exhibition honouring late costume designer and artist Reba Dilbert, with officials saying her creations helped “make Cayman shine” for decades, from Batabano to Pirates Week. Cruise & Connectivity: Carnival Miracle is repositioning from Alaska to Galveston for winter, with George Town on the itinerary as the ship transits the Panama Canal and then alternates shorter Western Caribbean sailings. Family Travel: A new wave of resort “kids zones” is moving beyond babysitting into full programming—outdoor learning, classes and hands-on experiences—aiming to make family trips easier for parents and more engaging for children. Real Estate & Tourism Product: A 4.3-acre Spotts seafront parcel is listed with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, offering options for residential, hospitality, or resort-residential development. Visitor Numbers: August stay-over arrivals hit 27,445 (+9.2% y/y) for a tenth straight month of growth, with cruise passenger arrivals up 3.7%. Air Access & Supplies: A British Airways flight brought urgent medical supplies and returned 58 Caymanians, with arrivals checked by Public Health and moved to supervised isolation. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Cayman properties earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys, including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Kimpton Seafire; and Palm Heights. Policy Watch: New dog and cat import rules take effect Oct 1, updating breed restrictions, rabies requirements by risk category, and digital signatures on health certificates.

Tourism Growth: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, marking a tenth straight month of stay-over growth; cruise arrivals also rose to 50,960 (+3.7%), with the U.S. and Canada driving demand. Real Estate & Development: A 4.3-acre Grand Cayman seafront parcel in Spotts is now on the market with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, opening options for residential, hospitality, or a resort-residential mix. Air Access: British Airways’ flight touched down in Grand Cayman bringing urgent supplies and returning 58 Caymanian students/residents for supervised quarantine and testing. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Cayman properties earned multiple 2026 MICHELIN Keys, including The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, and Palm Heights. Local Transport Pilot: A free Eastern Link public transport service launches in East End and North Side, connecting districts to Frank Sound Junction for a four-month trial. Family Travel Trend: New reporting highlights how modern “kids zones” are evolving into full programming—outdoor learning, classes, and staffed experiences—aimed at keeping families happy. Pet Import Rules: Updated dog and cat import requirements take effect Oct 1, including clearer processes, breed restrictions, and changes to rabies testing rules.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, marking a tenth straight month of stay-over growth; cruise arrivals rose 3.7% to 50,960, with the U.S. driving most gains and Canada also up strongly. Local Transport: A free four-month “Eastern Link” public transport pilot launches in East End and North Side, connecting riders to the wider bus network via Frank Sound Junction. Marine Education: CCMI will award 400+ scholarships to Year 6 students for a Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman, with flights and accommodation covered. Pet Travel Rules: New DOA requirements for importing dogs and cats take effect Oct 1, including updated prohibited breed restrictions and changes to rabies testing rules, plus digital signatures on health certificates. Maritime Focus: World Maritime Day (Sept 24) highlights Cayman’s push to move “from policy to practice” under a new Maritime Governance Framework. Airline Leadership: Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms retires in December, with a leadership transition expected to be announced later. Sports & Tourism Link: Cayman athletes are set to compete regionally as beach volleyball expands, with Cayman Islands players included in Guyana’s End Game 2026 event. Weather Watch: Heavy rain continues across parts of Central America and the Cayman region, raising flash-flood and landslide concerns.

Marine Education Boost: CCMI will award 400+ scholarships to Year 6 students from Cayman’s government schools for a three-day, two-night Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman, with flights, accommodation and learning covered—an expansion of CCMI’s education push. Whaling Policy Pushback: Visiting yacht captains have urged Prime Minister Gaston Browne to withdraw a resolution tied to commercial whaling as the IWC meeting gets underway in Hobart. Maritime Governance: Ahead of World Maritime Day, the Premier highlighted the Cayman Islands Maritime Governance Framework and its goal of moving “from policy to practice” to strengthen the blue economy. Parliament Agenda: Parliament resumes 30 September with landmark bills including a motion to create a Cayman Islands sovereign wealth fund, plus major public health and environmental health legislation and other legal updates. Tourism Numbers: August stay-over arrivals hit 27,445 (+9.2% vs 2025) for a tenth straight month of growth; cruise passengers rose to 50,960 (+3.7%). Pet Travel Rules: New DOA import rules for dogs and cats take effect 1 October, updating prohibited breeds, removing FAVN for low-risk countries (including the UK), and requiring digital signatures on health certificates. Local Hiring Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says he’s cracking down on employers in finance and tourism he claims are “cheating” permit and hiring rules.

Parliament & Policy: As Cayman’s Parliament resumes 30 September, MPs will consider a motion to create a sovereign wealth fund plus major public health and environmental health bills, alongside updates to development and planning, notaries, criminal records, the Monetary Authority, and tobacco laws. Maritime Governance: Ahead of World Maritime Day (24 September), the Premier highlighted the new Cayman Islands Maritime Governance Framework, built to move “from policy to practice” and strengthen compliance with IMO standards—key for trade and tourism. Tourism Numbers: August stay-over arrivals hit 27,445 (+9.2% vs last year) for a tenth straight month of growth; cruise passengers rose to 50,960 (+3.7%), with the U.S. and Canada driving demand. Pet Travel Rules: New Department of Agriculture import rules for dogs and cats take effect 1 October, tightening prohibited breed entries, removing FAVN requirements for no-rabies-risk countries (including the UK), and requiring digital signatures on health certificates. Workforce Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles renewed pressure on finance and tourism employers to stop permit and hiring “cheating,” warning enforcement will intensify. Visitor Experience: Little Cayman is being pitched as a low-crowd, sea-first escape—empty beaches, diving, and a famously laid-back vibe.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, marking a tenth straight month of stay-over growth; cruise arrivals also rose to 50,960 (+3.7%), with the U.S. driving most gains and Canada continuing strong momentum. Hotel Performance: STR reports hotel occupancy at 47.4% through August, with ADR up 4.7% and room revenue up 18.5% for Jan–Aug, supporting a solid summer for the destination. Pet Travel Update: New Department of Agriculture rules for importing dogs and cats take effect Oct 1, tightening prohibited breed guidance, removing the FAVN rabies titre for no-rabies-risk territories (including the UK), and requiring digital signatures on health certificates. Local Workforce Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says he’s stepping up pressure on employers in finance and tourism, accusing some of “cheating” permit and hiring rules, including tactics that deter locals or delay WORC approvals. Island Getaway Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Little Cayman as a low-crowd, sea-first escape with empty beaches, diving, and a distinctly laid-back vibe. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marks World Maritime Day and points to a new maritime governance framework aimed at turning policy into practice for the blue economy. Sports & Travel Link: Guyana’s Nations League opener against Puerto Rico included Cayman in the same group, keeping regional football travel on the radar for visitors.

Pet Travel Update: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says revised rules for importing dogs and cats take effect October 1, aiming to streamline the process while keeping strong animal health and biosecurity safeguards; owners are urged to check requirements based on the animal and the rabies-risk classification of the origin country, with updates including clarified prohibited dog breeds (such as Pit Bull Terriers and others) and removal of the FAVN rabies titre requirement for animals arriving from no-rabies-risk territories like the UK, plus digital signatures on health certificates. Local Workforce Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles is stepping up pressure on employers in the finance and tourism sectors—especially watersports operators—accusing some of “cheating” permit and hiring rules, including tactics like tailored adverts and ending probation early, and warning enforcement will be stricter. Island Life & Travel Inspiration: A travel feature spotlights Little Cayman as a low-crowd escape defined by empty beaches, simple beach bars, world-class diving, and a famously laid-back pace. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marks World Maritime Day 2026, tying the sea to Cayman’s tourism, trade, jobs, and resilience, and pointing to a new maritime governance framework moving “from policy to practice.” Community & Recovery: The Bridge Foundation Cayman broke ground on Phoenix House in West Bay, a women’s halfway-house campus supporting addiction recovery and safe return to community life.

Pet Travel Update: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says revised dog and cat import rules take effect Oct. 1, aiming to make entry clearer and more efficient while keeping strong biosecurity safeguards, including updated prohibited breed restrictions and removal of the rabies titre (FAVN) requirement for pets from no-rabies-risk territories. Local Workforce Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles is again pressuring finance and tourism employers—especially watersports operators—to stop “cheating” on local hiring and permit processes, warning enforcement will be tightened. Tourism Spotlight (Little Cayman): A travel feature paints Little Cayman as the “Caribbean without much” beyond empty beaches, rum bars, roosters, and world-class diving—ideal for visitors chasing quiet, small-island charm. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marks World Maritime Day by highlighting the sea’s role in Cayman’s economy and tourism, alongside a new maritime governance framework built to move “from policy to practice.” Community & Recovery: The Bridge Foundation broke ground on Phoenix House, a women’s halfway-house campus in West Bay to support addiction recovery and safer return to community life. Sports (Regional): Cayman Islands is grouped with Guyana, Puerto Rico and Dominica in CONCACAF Nations League action, with Guyana opening the campaign in the same group.

Pet Travel Update: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says revised rules for importing dogs and cats take effect Oct. 1, with clearer conditions for pet owners and travellers, updated prohibited breed restrictions, and removal of the FAVN rabies titre requirement for animals arriving from territories classified as having no rabies risk. Local Workforce Enforcement: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles renewed pressure on employers in finance and tourism—especially watersports operators—accusing some of “cheating” around local hiring and permit rules, and warning enforcement will be tightened. Tourism & Community Spotlight: Little Cayman is getting fresh attention as a low-crowd, beach-and-diving escape—tiny roads, empty shores, rum, roosters, and a legendary reef. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marked World Maritime Day by highlighting the Cayman Islands Maritime Governance Framework and the role of the sea in trade, tourism, jobs, and resilience. Recovery Housing: The Bridge Foundation broke ground on Phoenix House in West Bay, a women’s recovery halfway-house campus supporting addiction recovery and safe return to community life. Sports (Regional, Cayman in Group): Concacaf Nations League Group A includes the Cayman Islands, with Guyana set to face Cayman in the September-October window.

Pet Travel Update: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says new dog and cat import rules take effect Oct. 1, aiming to make the process clearer for pet owners, airlines and vets, with requirements varying by the animal and the rabies-risk status of the origin country; updates include revised prohibited breed restrictions (including first-time entry bans for Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, Japanese Tosas and dog-fighting lineage breeds) and removal of the FAVN rabies titre test for animals arriving from no-rabies-risk territories. Local Employment Watch: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles says he’s stepping up pressure on employers—especially in finance and tourism watersports—to stop “cheating” on local hiring and permit rules, including alleged tactics like discouraging local applicants and firing before probation ends. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marks World Maritime Day by highlighting the Cayman Islands Maritime Governance Framework and the push to move “from policy to practice” to strengthen compliance and grow the blue economy. Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature puts Little Cayman front and center for “empty beaches,” laid-back island life, and world-class diving—plus a reminder that the island’s roosters still rule the road. Sports & Travel Tie-In: Cayman Islands is listed in Group A for the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League League B, with regional matches staged under a centralized format to reduce travel demands.

Pet Travel Update: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture says revised dog and cat import rules take effect Oct 1, aiming to make entry clearer and more efficient while keeping biosecurity tight. Changes include updated prohibited breed restrictions (including first-time entry bans for Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, Japanese Tosas and dog-fighting lineage breeds) and removal of the FAVN rabies titre requirement for pets arriving from no-rabies-risk territories such as the UK, with digital signatures required on health certificates. Local Jobs & Permits: Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles is pressing employers—especially in finance and tourism watersports—to stop “cheating” on local hiring and permit processes, warning enforcement is coming and that local workers aren’t progressing fast enough. Maritime Focus: Premier André Ebanks marked World Maritime Day with a push for the new Cayman Islands Maritime Governance Framework, positioning it as a move “from policy to practice” to strengthen compliance and the blue economy. Island Travel Feature: A fresh spotlight on Little Cayman paints it as the Caribbean stripped down—empty beaches, rum-and-roosters charm, and world-class diving around a legendary reef. Community & Recovery: The Bridge Foundation broke ground on Phoenix House, a women’s halfway home in West Bay to support addiction recovery with stable accommodation and coordinated services. Sports (Regional): In CONCACAF Nations League action, Guyana beat Puerto Rico 1-0, with the Cayman Islands listed in the same group—keeping regional matchups on the radar for visitors and fans.