The Cayman Islands continued its record-breaking tourism performance in April 2026, welcoming 47,884 stayover visitors, marking the strongest April in the destination’s history. Arrivals were up 3.9% compared to the previous April 2019 record and increased 12% year over year versus 2025, underscoring sustained demand across key source markets.
North America once again led growth, with the United States delivering its best April on record and Canada extending its momentum with six consecutive months of double-digit increases in stayover visitation. The continued strength of these core markets reflects both strong air connectivity and resilient leisure demand.
Total visitation, including stayover and cruise passengers, reached 173,596 visitors in April, a 37% year-over-year increase. Cruise arrivals added meaningful volume to the overall performance, reinforcing the destination’s dual appeal as both a stayover and cruise hub.
The United States recorded 38,968 stayover visitors in April, up 9.8% year over year and 5% above the previous 2019 record. Growth was led by the Western US, up 10.4%, and the Midwest, up 14.8%, with strong-performing gateway cities including Denver and Chicago contributing significantly to demand. The US remains the destination’s largest and most stable source market.
Canada continued to emerge as one of the fastest-growing markets, delivering 4,277 stayover visitors in April, a 69% year-over-year increase. Growth has been supported by sustained winter momentum and record performance in March 2026. Airlift expansion remains a key driver, with five weekly summer flights from Toronto increasing to up to nine weekly in the fall, and further expansion in December as Porter Airlines returns with service from Toronto and Ottawa, lifting total connectivity to as many as 15 weekly flights.
Secondary markets also delivered positive results. Continental Europe grew 23.3%, led by strong performance from Germany, France, and the Netherlands, while Latin America posted a 4.3% increase, reflecting steady diversification beyond traditional source markets.
April’s results followed an exceptionally strong first quarter, during which the Cayman Islands surpassed all previous yearly benchmarks on record. This strong start to the second quarter positions the tourism sector to better navigate the typically softer summer period.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development Gary Rutty said tourism remains a cornerstone of the Cayman Islands economy, supporting jobs, small businesses, and broader economic development.
He noted that following a strong winter season and record April performance, the destination enters summer from a position of strength. Rutty credited increased airlift, improved market diversification, and sustained product quality for maintaining momentum, adding that higher visitor spending continues to generate measurable benefits across the economy.
The accommodation sector also reflected this strong demand. Hotel occupancy reached 77.8% in April 2026, up 9.4 percentage points year over year. Average daily rate increased 6.1%, while revenue per available room rose 20.8%, signaling both stronger demand and improved pricing power. Year to date through April, occupancy is up 6.7%, ADR has increased 6.7%, and RevPAR has grown 16.6%, reinforcing sustained sector-wide strength.
As the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism moves into its summer strategy period, the focus remains on maintaining momentum, strengthening airline and trade partnerships, and ensuring tourism growth continues to deliver broad-based benefits for residents.
