AGP Executive Report

Beach Conditions: A new Caribbean hospitality guide includes Grand Cayman among destinations with coastlines that tend to avoid sargassum, offering travelers a useful starting point in a heavy seaweed year. Camana Bay: Dart has begun work on The Brya, a mixed-use building planned to add 166 rental residences, offices, shops and restaurants when it opens in 2028. Beach Preservation: Imported sand at the Marriott on Seven Mile Beach is migrating north and beginning to mix with native sand, while the Department of Environment continues monitoring the project. Caribbean Tourism: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism will lead-sponsor the December CMEx Leadership Awards, supporting regional tourism leaders and industry initiatives. Visitor Experience: A recent Grand Cayman dive-trip account describes a quiet September stay at Compass Point Dive Resort, with near-empty beaches and Ocean Frontiers dive trips. Little Cayman Conservation: A preliminary UNESCO bid was limited to marine parks because a Tourism Management Plan and National Development Plan are not yet in place; officials say preparing them could take about four years.

Beach Preservation: Imported Bahamian sand at the Grand Cayman Marriott is moving along Seven Mile Beach as expected, the Department of Environment says, but the project shows how difficult it is to restore what is lost. Development Policy: Parliament heard that 573 stamp-duty waivers have helped Caymanian homebuyers, while a promised policy on duty concessions for developers is still absent amid concerns about rising prices and shrinking beach access. Tourism Leadership: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism will lead-sponsor the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards, backing regional tourism and professional development. Visitor Demand: Luxury travel data puts Cayman among the Caribbean leaders for festive-season bookings. Conservation and Planning: Little Cayman’s preliminary UNESCO bid covers only marine parks; the government says island-wide plans, including a tourism management plan, are needed to support a broader bid. Travel: A recent Grand Cayman dive-trip account describes a quiet September visit, with clear skies and near-empty beaches. Cruise Access: Margaritaville at Sea’s 2028 itineraries will include Grand Cayman on new eight-night Caribbean sailings.

Tourism Leadership: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism will lead-sponsor the December CMEx Leadership Awards, backing regional tourism and professional-development initiatives. Luxury Travel: Virtuoso reports November bookings and sales up more than 70% year over year; the Cayman Islands also rank among the Caribbean’s leading destinations for festive-season demand. Visitor Trends: New regional travel data points to strong family-group interest in Cayman, while three Grand Cayman hotels—the Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire and Palm Heights—earned MICHELIN Keys. Cruise Calls: Margaritaville at Sea plans Grand Cayman stops on 2028 Caribbean itineraries, and Carnival Miracle is set to call at George Town during its winter season from Galveston. Little Cayman Planning: A parliamentary update says the island’s UNESCO bid was limited to marine parks because national development and tourism management plans are not yet in place. Dive Getaway: A visitor’s account of a quiet September stay-and-dive trip on Grand Cayman spotlights the appeal of the low season.

Tourism & Media: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is named lead sponsor for the 2026 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Dec. 6 in Miami, backing regional tourism, aviation, hospitality and sustainability leaders. Conservation & Nature: The environment ministry has paused the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands, leaving native species and sensitive areas vulnerable while the government cites consultation and conservation concerns. Wildlife & Diving: A rough-toothed dolphin was freed from a discarded fishing net off Seven Mile Beach but is expected to need 6–12 months of specialist rehabilitation; Cayman lacks a dedicated marine mammal rehab facility. Travel Industry: Dart’s Cayman hotels—The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; and Palm Heights—earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys recognition, highlighting service and design. Aviation & Cruise: Carnival Miracle begins a repositioning voyage from Seattle to Galveston, with a stop in George Town, Cayman, as it sails through the Panama Canal and Caribbean. Local Development: A 4.3-acre seafront parcel in Spotts hits the market with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, opening options for resort, residential, or mixed-use concepts.

Tourism Sponsorship: The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has been named lead sponsor for the 2026 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, set for Dec. 6 in Miami, spotlighting regional tourism, aviation, hospitality and sustainability. Luxury Travel Demand: Virtuoso data shows November bookings and sales up more than 70% year-over-year, with luxury demand concentrating on Mexico’s Pacific coast and the Caribbean still leading festive interest—Cayman Islands included. Hospitality Recognition: Dart’s Cayman properties—The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; and Palm Heights—earned 2026 MICHELIN Keys, adding to the destination’s luxury momentum. Marine Life & Safety: A rough-toothed dolphin was freed from a discarded fishing net off Seven Mile Beach but likely needs 6–12 months of specialist rehab Cayman can’t provide, underscoring the stakes for ocean stewardship. Family & Community Culture: A new exhibit at the Cayman Collections Centre celebrates costume icon Reba Dilbert, honoring her role in Batabano and Pirates Week and her lasting impact on Caymanian identity. Regional Health Presence: Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks represented Cayman at major Caribbean health forums in Washington and Miami, focusing on preparedness, cancer care, digital health and Universal Health Coverage.

UNESCO Bid Update: Cayman’s Environment Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks says Little Cayman’s UNESCO preliminary bid was narrowed to marine parks because a full-island plan wasn’t ready, blaming the lack of a National Development Plan and Tourism Management Plan and warning the limited submission could hurt chances. Conservation Policy: In the same parliamentary response, she announced a stop to the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands, leaving native species and nesting birds exposed. Tourism Leadership: CMEx will honor Caribbean hotelier Josef Forstmayr as a 2026 leadership laureate at its Dec. 6 awards in Miami, spotlighting decades of resort leadership and regional tourism advocacy. Marine Life Incident: A rough-toothed dolphin was freed from a discarded fishing net off Seven Mile Beach but likely needs 6–12 months of specialist rehabilitation, which Cayman lacks locally. Local Travel & Access: The Public Transport Unit launches a free four-month “Eastern Link” pilot in East End and North Side, aiming to improve district connections via Frank Sound Junction. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms will retire in December after 43 years, with leadership transition details still pending. Grand Cayman Development: A 4.3-acre seafront parcel in Spotts is listed with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, opening the door to hospitality, residential, or resort-residential concepts.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year, with cruise passenger calls in George Town also rising to 80% from the U.S. Local Conservation & Wildlife: The environment minister halted the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands, citing consultation and concerns for native species; separately, a dolphin entangled in a fishing net off Seven Mile Beach was freed but likely needs long-term specialist rehab. Policy & Planning: MPs heard updates tied to a curtailed UNESCO bid for Little Cayman, blamed on missing land-based plans and a limited preliminary submission; Parliament also tabled reports including the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development. Getting Around: The Public Transport Unit launched a free four-month “Eastern Link” pilot in East End and North Side to improve district connections. Aviation & Access: Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms announced retirement in December, with leadership transition details pending. Business & Development: A 4.3-acre Spotts seafront parcel hit the market with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, signaling new hospitality or resort-residential options. Cruise & Hospitality Buzz: Margaritaville at Sea announced 30 new 2028 itineraries including first-ever calls to Costa Rica and Panama, with Grand Cayman included.

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 leading demand. Hotel & Loyalty: World of Hyatt refreshed its “new hotel” double-points offer, including Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, with bonus points now tied to a specific rate plan. Air Access: British Airways landed in Grand Cayman with urgent medical supplies and repatriated Caymanian residents and students, while Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms announced retirement in December. Marine Life & Safety: A rough-toothed dolphin was seriously injured after entanglement in a discarded net off Seven Mile Beach; local rehab capacity is limited, highlighting gaps in marine-mammal support. Local Transport: The Public Transport Unit launched the free “Eastern Link” pilot in East End and North Side, aiming to improve district connections via Frank Sound Junction. Cruise & Development: Margaritaville at Sea announced 2028 itineraries including Grand Cayman; a 4.3-acre Spotts waterfront parcel is listed with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, signaling new resort-residential potential. Culture: A Reba Dilbert exhibit opened at the Cayman Collections Centre, celebrating the costume icon’s legacy tied to Batabano and Pirates Week.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August (+9.2% year-on-year) for a tenth straight month of growth; cruise passenger arrivals rose to 50,960 (+3.7%). Hotel & Loyalty: World of Hyatt expanded its “New Hotel Member Bonus Offer,” including Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, with 2X points on qualifying stays at participating new-to-World of Hyatt properties. Cruise Connectivity: Margaritaville at Sea announced 30 new 2028 itineraries featuring first-ever calls to Costa Rica (Limón) and Panama (Colón), plus a Grand Cayman stop. Air Access: British Airways’ flight into Grand Cayman brought urgent supplies and returned Caymanian residents/students for supervised quarantine. Wildlife & Environment: The environment minister halted the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands; separately, a dolphin entangled in netting off Seven Mile Beach was freed but likely needs long-term rehabilitation not available locally. Local Travel Planning: A free Eastern Link public transport pilot launches in East End and North Side, aiming to improve district connections. Marine Education: CCMI will award 400+ scholarships for Year 6 students to attend its Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman. Aviation Leadership: Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms will retire in December, with succession details pending. Development Watch: A 4.3-acre Grand Cayman seafront parcel in Spotts is listed with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, opening options for resort-residential or hospitality projects.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 27,445 stay-over visitors in August, up 9.2% year-on-year and marking a tenth straight month of growth; cruise passenger arrivals in George Town rose 3.7% to 50,960, with the U.S. and Canada leading demand. Hotel & Travel Deals: World of Hyatt updated its double-points promo for stays at new hotels, including Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, with bonus points capped at 25K per stay. Cruise & Itinerary News: Margaritaville at Sea announced 30 new 2028 itineraries across the Caribbean and Latin America, adding first-ever calls in Costa Rica and Panama plus a Grand Cayman stop. Air Connectivity: British Airways’ flight into Grand Cayman brought urgent supplies and returned Caymanian residents and students, while Cayman Airways’ CEO Fabian Whorms announced retirement in December. Wildlife & Environment: The environment ministry halted the feral cat cull on the Sister Islands; meanwhile, a dolphin entangled in a fishing net off Seven Mile Beach suffered serious injuries and will likely need long-term rehabilitation not available locally. Local Development: A 4.3-acre seafront parcel in Spotts hit the market with Beach Resort/Residential zoning, opening options for hospitality, residential, or resort-residential concepts. Public Transport Pilot: The Eastern Link free shuttle launches in East End and North Side, aiming to improve district connections via Frank Sound Junction. Culture: The Cayman Collections Centre opened an exhibit honoring costume icon Reba Dilbert, celebrating her role in Batabano and Pirates Week. Marine Education: CCMI will award 400+ scholarships for Year 6 students to attend its Marine Ecology Course in Little Cayman.

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.