AGP Executive Report

Pet Travel & Biosecurity: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture has revised the Conditions Governing the Importation of Dogs and Cats, with updated prohibited breed rules and changes to rabies testing requirements, effective 1 October 2026—owners are urged to check the new conditions before booking travel. Women’s Recovery Housing: Bridge Foundation Cayman broke ground on Bridge Phoenix House in West Bay, a women’s halfway house to support recovery after addiction, with two cottages initially for four residents (expandable to eight). Turtle Conservation Alert: East End sea turtle hatchlings were found dead (plus one crushed) after artificial lighting led them away from the ocean; the Department of Environment reports multiple misorientations this season across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Airline Travel Planning: Cayman Airways launched Cayman Airways Vacations, a new website to book flight-and-hotel packages for trips to and from the Cayman Islands. Tourism & Connectivity: Southwest Airlines highlighted nonstop service to Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore as part of its growing Caribbean route map. Regional Development: CARIF concluded with a push to turn Caribbean infrastructure priorities into bankable projects, with Cayman among participating governments and partners.

Cayman Tourism & Travel Updates: Cayman Airways has launched “Cayman Airways Vacations,” a new website that lets customers book Cayman Airways flights plus hotel stays as one package, aiming to turn trip planning into more direct visitation. Wildlife & Beach Safety: The Department of Environment reports five sea turtle hatchlings died in East End after artificial lighting misdirected them away from the ocean; a sixth was crushed on the road, while 12 were rescued—another reminder for turtle-friendly lighting during hatch season. Regional Tourism Context: Southwest Airlines says it now serves 10 Caribbean destinations nonstop, including Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore, supporting easier winter travel planning. Caribbean Tech & Digital IDs: Saint Lucia is moving toward practical digital ID use by developing a regulatory sandbox to test digital credentials and payments in a controlled environment. Culture & Film: Macao hosted the International Film Camp’s 2026 awards and closing ceremony, continuing a three-year push to develop Asian film talent through international mentorship. Community & Heritage: Volunteers in West Bay helped restore the traditional white sand yard at a historic 1912 home, preserving Cayman’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Pet Travel Rules: The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture updates dog and cat import conditions effective Oct 1, 2026, clarifying prohibited breeds and removing the FAVN rabies titer test exemption for “no-rabies-risk” territories. Wildlife & Beaches: DoE reports five dead sea turtle hatchlings in East End after artificial lighting misdirected them, with more hatchlings rescued; officials warn that turtle-friendly lighting is critical during hatching season. Tourism Sales Boost: Cayman Airways launches “Cayman Airways Vacations,” a new website letting travellers book flights plus hotel packages in one place for trips to and from the Cayman Islands. Regional Connectivity: Southwest Airlines expands its Caribbean nonstop map, including Grand Cayman, supporting easier winter travel for US-based visitors. Community & Culture: The National Trust and volunteers restore the historic Old Homestead’s traditional white sand yard in West Bay, preserving Cayman’s heritage look and feel. Infrastructure Focus: CARIF wraps up with a push to turn Caribbean infrastructure plans into bankable projects, with Cayman among participating governments.

Caribbean Infrastructure Focus: The 10th Annual Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) wrapped up with leaders and financiers pushing to turn infrastructure priorities into bankable, resilient projects—highlighting public-private partnerships, blended finance, and the need for regulatory certainty, with Cayman among the participating governments. Cayman Tourism & Connectivity: Cayman Airways launched “Cayman Airways Vacations,” a new site letting travellers book flights plus hotel packages in one place, aiming to convert interest into actual visits. Sustainability & Wildlife: The Department of Environment reported five dead sea turtle hatchlings in East End after non-turtle-friendly lighting misdirected them, with more hatchlings rescued and additional misorientations recorded across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Tourism Growth Signals: Southwest Airlines added nonstop service to Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore, expanding Caribbean route options for US travellers. Community & Heritage: Volunteers helped restore the historic white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, preserving Cayman’s architectural and cultural traditions. Health & Preparedness: Jamaica’s IHR evaluation produced 110 recommendations to strengthen public health readiness for threats, underscoring regional resilience priorities.

Air Access & Pricing: With U.S. airline options shrinking after closures and mergers, TravelAwaits highlights cheaper ways to reach Mexico and the Caribbean—book direct on regional airline sites and skip third-party platforms to avoid inflated fares and add-ons. Cruise Update: Costa Fortuna is set to sail as Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, arriving at Gibraltar Sept. 21, 2026, then heading for a major Belfast refurbishment before a 2027 maiden season from PortMiami with Caribbean and Bahamas stops. Cayman Airways Growth: Cayman Airways has launched Cayman Airways Vacations, letting travellers book flights plus hotel packages in one place for inbound Cayman trips and outbound travel across the CAL network. Wildlife Warning: East End turtle hatchlings died or were misdirected by non-turtle-friendly lighting; the Department of Environment reports misorientations from 15 nests this season, including Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Tourism & Community: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns Jan. 14–17, 2027, bringing celebrity chefs and mixology to Grand Cayman. Sustainability Spotlight: CIBC Caribbean says it has backed about US$820m in sustainable finance across the region, including renewable projects in the Cayman Islands.

Air Access & Packages: Cayman Airways has launched Cayman Airways Vacations, a new website letting travellers book Cayman Airways flights plus hotel stays as one package, with a limited-time deal running to 28 September 2026. Sea Turtle Protection: The Department of Environment reports five dead sea turtle hatchlings in East End after artificial lighting misdirected them away from the ocean, with more misorientations logged across 15 nests in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac this season. Regional Connectivity: Southwest Airlines says it’s serving Grand Cayman nonstop from Orlando and Baltimore, alongside other Caribbean routes including Aruba and Nassau. Tourism Events: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns January 14–17, 2027, featuring top chefs and mixologists for a winter escape in Grand Cayman. Sustainability & Community: Cayman Motoring Federation highlights new sustainability steps, including work with the National Trust and an Island Offsets programme, while the Cayman Islands Red Cross golf tournament raised over CI$100,000 for core community programmes. Policy & Governance: Premier André Ebanks is in London and Dublin to engage European financial services stakeholders and reinforce Cayman’s international finance standing.

Cayman Airways Vacations Launch: Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) has rolled out a new booking site that lets travellers package Cayman Airways flights with hotel stays, aiming to turn trip planning into confirmed visits for both inbound Cayman vacations and outbound travel across CAL’s network. Sea Turtle Protection: The Department of Environment reports five dead sea turtle hatchlings in East End after artificial lighting misdirected them away from the ocean, with more misorientations logged across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac this season. ICT & Telecom Links: Two Cayman ministers attended an ICT policy forum in Nassau and discussed takeaways tied to plans to procure an additional subsea telecoms cable. Tourism Leadership Move: Premier André Ebanks appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff, bringing tourism-adjacent experience including prior leadership roles in Cayman’s tourism bodies. Community & Heritage: Volunteers restored the traditional white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, reinforcing Cayman’s cultural heritage and neighbourhood history. Red Cross Golf Fundraiser: The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament raised over CI$100,000 to support disaster management, first aid and lifeguarding, child protection, seniors, and outreach programmes. Cayman in the Spotlight: Bermuda’s North American Cup team is heading to Cayman, using the event as a benchmark for future regional competition.

Cayman Airways Vacations Launch: Cayman Airways Limited has rolled out a new online booking platform that lets travellers bundle Cayman Airways flights with hotel stays, aiming to turn trip planning into actual visitation for both inbound Cayman holidays and outbound trips across the airline’s network. Sea Turtle Protection Update: The Department of Environment reports fresh sea turtle hatchling misorientations in East End, where inappropriate beachfront lighting led five hatchlings to die and others to be rescued or found crushed—another reminder for turtle-friendly lighting during nesting season. Tourism Leadership Appointment: Premier André Ebanks has appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff, bringing experience that includes tourism advisory work and hotel licensing board background. Regional Travel Connectivity: Southwest Airlines is expanding its Caribbean reach, including nonstop service to Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore, supporting more easy beach-and-diving getaways. Cayman Events & Community: The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament raised over CI$100,000 to support disaster management, first aid and lifeguarding, child protection, seniors support, and community outreach. Sustainability in the Spotlight: CIBC Caribbean highlighted US$820 million in sustainable finance initiatives across the region, including renewable energy projects in the Cayman Islands.

Cayman Airways Vacations Launch: Cayman Airways has rolled out a new booking site that lets travellers bundle flights with hotel stays, aiming to turn trip planning into one smoother online process for both inbound visitors and Cayman residents. Tourism Leadership: Premier André Ebanks has appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff, bringing tourism and hotel licensing experience into the Office of the Premier. Marine Life Warning: The Department of Environment reports multiple sea turtle hatchling misorientations in East End and Bodden Town caused by non-turtle-friendly artificial lighting, with several hatchlings found dead and others rescued. Sustainability in Tourism & Sport: The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament raised over CI$100,000 for disaster management, first aid, child protection, seniors support and community outreach. Environment & Health Alert: A Dust Alert is in effect as Saharan dust is expected to increase through the weekend, with guidance to limit outdoor time and protect air quality. Regional Travel Push: Southwest Airlines is expanding Caribbean nonstop service, including Grand Cayman routes from Orlando and Baltimore. Cayman in the News Beyond Tourism: Premier Ebanks also travelled to London and Dublin for stakeholder engagement tied to Cayman’s international financial services profile.

Cayman Airways Vacations Launch: Cayman Airways has rolled out a new website that lets travellers book Cayman Airways flights plus hotel accommodation as one package, with deals running through 28 September 2026—aimed at turning trip planning into more actual visits. Sea Turtle Protection: In East End, five turtle hatchlings were found dead and one crushed after artificial lighting led them away from the ocean; the Department of Environment says multiple misorientations this week follow similar incidents on Seven Mile Beach and in Bodden Town. ICT & Telecoms Focus: Finance Minister Rolston Anglin and Social Development Minister Isaac Rankine attended an ICT policy forum in Nassau, pointing to the government’s plan to procure an additional subsea telecoms cable. Premier’s Europe Outreach: Premier André Ebanks is in London and Dublin meeting key UK and EU stakeholders to strengthen Cayman’s international financial services relationships. Community Heritage Work: Volunteers helped restore the traditional white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, preserving Cayman’s domestic heritage. Red Cross Golf Fundraiser: The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament raised over CI$100,000 to support disaster management, first aid and lifeguarding, child protection, seniors support, and community outreach. Saharan Dust Alert: Health and environment officials issued a dust alert for Friday through Monday, warning residents to limit outdoor time and protect respiratory health. Sports Tourism Link: Bermuda’s team heads to Cayman for the North American Cup, using the event as a benchmark for future regional competition.

Sea Turtle Protection: Five turtle hatchlings were found dead near an East End beachfront after artificial lighting led them away from the ocean; a sixth was crushed on the road, while 12 more were rescued. The Department of Environment says misorientations have been recorded from 15 nests this season (13 in Grand Cayman, two in Cayman Brac), with many hatchlings failing to reach the sea. Travel Planning & Access: Cayman Airways has launched Cayman Airways Vacations, a new online booking platform that bundles flights with hotel stays for trips to and from the Cayman Islands. Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines is expanding its Caribbean nonstop map, including current service to Grand Cayman from Orlando and Baltimore. Tourism Leadership: Premier André Ebanks is in London and Dublin engaging European policy and financial services stakeholders. Sustainability in Tourism & Sport: The Cayman Motoring Federation announced new sustainability initiatives, including work with the National Trust and an Island Offsets programme, plus a new Sustainability Ambassador. Community & Heritage: Volunteers helped restore the historic West Bay “white sand yard” at The Old Homestead, preserving Cayman’s domestic heritage. Visitor Safety & Environment: Public health issued a Saharan dust alert for the weekend, advising residents to limit outdoor time and keep windows closed.

Air Access & Packages: Cayman Airways has launched Cayman Airways Vacations, a new site that bundles Cayman Airways flights with hotel stays for one-stop trip planning for Cayman and across its network. Leadership & Tourism: Premier André Ebanks appointed Dr Karie Bergstrom as Chief of Staff from 1 October 2026, bringing deep tourism and hotel licensing experience to the Office of the Premier. Caribbean Flight Growth: Southwest Airlines is expanding its Caribbean nonstop map, including Grand Cayman, making it easier for US travelers to add Cayman to beach, diving, and resort getaways. Sports Tourism: Bermuda heads to Cayman for the North American Cup, using the event as a benchmark ahead of bigger future assignments. Community & Heritage: Volunteers restored the historic West Bay “white sand yard” at The Old Homestead, keeping Cayman’s cultural look and traditions alive. Sustainability & Events: The Cayman Islands Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament raised over CI$100,000 for disaster management, first aid, lifeguarding, child protection, seniors support, and community outreach. Travel Practicalities: The permanent duty-free allowance for residents is now CI$800 (from 1 September), with the higher temporary allowance returning later in November.

Cayman Airways: The airline has launched Cayman Airways Vacations, a new site that lets travellers book Cayman Airways flights bundled with hotel stays in one checkout for Cayman and across its network. Marine & Events: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns Jan 14–17, 2027 with top chefs and mixologists, plus rum tastings and beach events—another big winter draw for foodies. Sustainability in Tourism: The Cayman Motoring Federation says it’s stepping up environmental responsibility with new sustainability initiatives, including work with the National Trust and an Island Offsets programme, plus a sustainability ambassador role. Community Heritage: Volunteers restored the traditional white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, preserving Cayman’s domestic heritage and cultural landscape. Travel Practicalities: Customs and Border Control confirms the permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for returning residents is now in effect (with the higher CI$1,000 summer allowance returning Nov 23). Health Alert: Saharan dust is expected to affect the islands through the weekend, with guidance to limit outdoor time and keep windows closed. Sports & Tourism Link: Bermuda heads to Cayman for the North American Cup, using the event as a benchmark ahead of future assignments. Diving Spotlight: Cayman’s International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony highlighted the islands as a global diving hub, with local tourism leaders celebrated.

Retirement & lifestyle pitch: A new roundup spotlights the Cayman Islands as a top upscale retirement escape, pairing Grand Cayman’s George Town duty-free and dining with the quieter nature-and-diving draw of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Sargassum watch: Beachgoers across the region are dealing with “smelly beach” sargassum surges, with reporting pointing to West Africa as a source and highlighting future compost/fertilizer potential. Air cargo expansion: BermudAir says it’s adding an Embraer E190F freighter to grow express cargo links across the Caribbean network. Community heritage work: Volunteers restored the traditional white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, preserving Cayman’s domestic heritage. Cayman Cookout dates: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns Jan 14–17, 2027 with major chef lineups and signature Cayman beachside events. Duty-free update: Returning residents now get a permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance (temporary CI$1,000 runs again Nov 23–Jan 7). Marine diving honor: Cayman’s International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrated new inductees and reinforced the islands as a diving home. Local safety/health: Residents received a Saharan dust alert advising reduced outdoor time and dust-protection steps.

Sustainable Finance: CIBC Caribbean says it has arranged or invested about US$820 million in sustainable finance across the region, backing wind and solar projects in places including Curaçao, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands—aimed at boosting energy security, resilience and jobs. Cultural Heritage: Volunteers restored the historic white sand yard at The Old Homestead in West Bay, a 1912 landmark, reinforcing Cayman’s architectural and domestic heritage. Culinary Tourism: The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns Jan 14–17, 2027 with top chefs and mixologists, plus rum tastings and beachside dining—built for winter escape travel. Motorsport Sustainability: The Cayman Motoring Federation strengthened its environmental push with new initiatives and a Sustainability Ambassador, working toward higher FIA accreditation. Travel Practicalities: Cayman’s permanent CI$800 duty-free allowance for returning residents is now in effect (temporary CI$1,000 runs again Nov 23–Jan 7). Marine & Health Alerts: Residents are warned about Saharan dust over the weekend, with guidance to limit outdoor time and keep windows closed. Scuba Spotlight: Cayman’s International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrated new inductees and re-affirmed the islands as a global diving home.

Cayman Cookout (Jan 2027): The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout returns for its 18th edition, Jan 14–17, 2027, with legendary chefs and mixologists plus around 40 curated experiences—from gala dinners and cooking demos to a rum tasting and beach barbecue. Motorsport Sustainability: The Cayman Motoring Federation says it’s stepping up environmental action with new initiatives, including work with the National Trust and an Island Offsets programme, plus a new Sustainability Ambassador role. Duty-Free Update: Returning residents can now bring in up to CI$800 in personal and household goods duty-free (temporary CI$1,000 allowance ends); the CI$1,000 window resumes Nov 23–Jan 7. Marine Tourism Honors: Cayman’s International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame induction ceremony (23rd annual) spotlights diving pioneers and conservation, with Deputy Premier Gary Rutty opening the event. Health & Travel Comfort: Residents are warned of Saharan dust through the weekend, with advice to limit outdoor time and keep doors/windows closed. Premier’s Europe Trip: Premier André Ebanks heads to London and Dublin for meetings with UK and EU stakeholders tied to Cayman’s financial services and policy priorities. Beach Volleyball: Cayman’s volleyball scene gets a boost with a Senior One Day 2v2 beach event at Seven Mile Beach on Oct 11 or 18, supporting youth equipment and uniforms.