AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways is extending its Austin–Grand Cayman nonstop route well beyond summer, adding winter and spring service and doubling weekly frequency during peak next summer, with Sunday flights running Dec. 20, 2026–Aug. 29, 2027 and added Wednesday flights May 26–Aug. 11, 2027. Tourism & Hospitality: The Grand Cayman Marriott is launching a multimillion-dollar beach restoration on Seven Mile Beach, with work expected to finish in early September and the resort’s name shifting to “Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort,” plus public access once complete. Community & Lifestyle: Camana Bay kicks off a free weekly parkrun starting 29 August, inviting walkers and runners to enjoy a scenic Nature Loop route at their own pace. Public Safety: The Cayman Islands government agencies have signed an MOU to create MAPPA, a multi-agency framework for coordinated management of sexual and violent offenders. Travel Demand & Weather: Caribbean travel is running 21% ahead of last year during hurricane season, even as NOAA’s outlook cuts storm counts but signals the peak risk period is opening this week. Aviation Planning: Engineers have been selected for $1.5M environmental impact assessments tied to proposed runway extensions at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac). Mosquito Update: Mosquito control operations continue as biting numbers run higher than acceptable in parts of Grand Cayman, driven by tidal flooding and rising trap counts.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June, up 6.9% year-on-year for the eighth straight month, and 288,694 stayovers in the first half (+11.3%). Cruise traffic also stayed firm with 55,639 passengers in June (+15.5%) and 681,391 for Jan–Jun (+6.8%). Air Connectivity: Cayman Airways is extending its Austin–Grand Cayman nonstop service well beyond summer, adding winter and spring dates and doubling weekly frequency during peak 2027 summer. Beach Upgrade: The Grand Cayman Marriott is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage with a government-approved sand replenishment project, expected to finish early September, and will rebrand as Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort with the beach back at the center. Mosquito Watch: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting mosquito numbers remain above acceptable levels in parts of Grand Cayman, driven by tidal flooding, with 2026 averages higher than last year. Public Safety: Government agencies signed a MAPPA framework to coordinate management of sexual and violent offenders, aiming to prevent high-risk cases from slipping through gaps. Hurricane Context: A new report says Caribbean travel during hurricane season is running 21% ahead of last year, even as NOAA’s updated outlook cuts expected storm counts but keeps peak risk ahead. Community Events: The Robert Hamaty Memorial 5K returns Sept. 27 at Camana Bay, supporting heart health awareness.

Hurricane Outlook: NOAA cut its 2026 Atlantic storm forecast to 7–13 named systems and raised the odds of a below-normal season to 75%, but warned the quiet stretch is ending and the riskiest weeks are now starting—important for anyone booking August–October Caribbean travel. Air Access: Cayman Airways is expanding nonstop Austin–Grand Cayman service, adding winter/spring dates and a second weekly flight during peak summer, after strong demand in the inaugural season. Tourism Numbers: The Cayman Islands logged 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y) and 288,694 for the first half (+11.3%), with cruise passenger arrivals also up, signaling steady momentum for hotels, tours, and local businesses. Beach Upgrade: The Grand Cayman Marriott is restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline and rebranding as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, with work due to finish early September and the beach reopening to the public. Mosquito Control: MRCU says biting mosquito numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, driven by tidal flooding, and is continuing intensive control operations. Family Fun Event: The Robert Hamaty Memorial 5K returns Sept. 27 at Camana Bay, supporting heart health via the Cayman Heart Foundation and Tortuga Rum Company. Scuba Spotlight: A visiting family’s first ocean dive turned into a close hammerhead encounter off Grand Cayman. Youth Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis U14 boys head to Punta Cana Aug. 16–23 for the CFU U14 Challenge Series.

Air Access Boost: Cayman Airways is extending its Austin–Grand Cayman nonstop route well beyond summer, adding winter and spring service from Dec. 20, 2026 through Aug. 29, 2027, plus a second weekly Wednesday flight during peak summer (May 26–Aug. 11, 2027), after strong inaugural demand. Tourism Momentum: The Cayman Islands logged 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% year-on-year) for eight straight months of growth, with 288,694 stayover arrivals in the first half (+11.3%); cruise passenger totals also rose in June. Beach Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage with a government-approved sand replenishment project expected to finish early September, with the property rebranding to Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and the restored beach opening to the public. Mosquito Control Watch: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting mosquito numbers remain above acceptable levels, driven by tidal flooding, and is continuing expanded operations across Grand Cayman. Shark Encounter: A visiting family on a Cayman scuba trip captured a close hammerhead shark encounter during an ocean dive. Infrastructure Scrutiny: The NCFC government has awarded an EIA contract for proposed runway extensions at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac), amid environmental and cost concerns.

Air Access: Cayman Airways is extending its Austin–Grand Cayman route with winter and spring service, adding Sunday flights from Dec. 20, 2026 through Aug. 29, 2027 and introducing a second weekly Wednesday flight from May 26 to Aug. 11, 2027—boosting nonstop options for Central Texas travelers. Beach & Resort Updates: The Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline with a government-approved, multi-million-dollar sand replenishment project (plus low-profile rock structures). The work is expected to finish early September, and the hotel will rebrand as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, with the beach set to reopen to the public. Tourism Performance: Cayman’s Department of Tourism reports 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% year over year) and 288,694 for the first half (+11.3%), alongside continued cruise arrivals. Mosquito Alert: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting mosquito numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, driven by tidal flooding, with 2026 averages higher than 2025. Sports Tourism: The Cayman Islands is confirmed to take part in Jamaica’s inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games (Nov. 18–22) at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay. Cruise Diving Buzz: A family’s first ocean dive in Cayman turned into a close hammerhead shark encounter—another reminder of the islands’ draw for divers and snorkelers.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June, up 6.9% year-on-year, extending growth to eight straight months and delivering a record first half (288,694 stayovers, +11.3%). Cruise Traffic: June cruise passenger arrivals rose 15.5% to 55,639, with 681,391 cruise visitors in the first half (+6.8%). Resort Beach Boost: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage with a government-approved, multi-million-dollar sand replenishment and low-profile rock structures; the work should finish early September and the property will rebrand as Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Mosquito Alert: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, with 2026 year-to-date averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs. 29 in 2025), driven by tidal flooding. Airport Planning: A CI$1.498m contract has been awarded for environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension and widening plans at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac). Scuba Buzz: A visiting family’s first ocean dive turned into a close encounter with three hammerhead sharks. Community & Visitors: Central Scranton Park in George Town officially opened, with costs topping $10m and facilities aimed at residents and visitors alike.

Tourism Growth: The Cayman Islands kept momentum with 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% year-on-year) and 288,694 for the first half (+11.3%), alongside stronger hotel occupancy, rates, room revenue and air capacity. Cruise Traffic: Cruise passenger arrivals also rose, with 55,639 in June (+15.5%) and 681,391 for January–June (+6.8%). Beachfront Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline with a government-approved, multi-million-dollar sand replenishment project, plus low-profile rock structures; it should finish in early September and the beach will reopen to the public. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, with 2026 year-to-date averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs. 29 in 2025), driven by tidal flooding. Family Diving Moment: A visiting family’s first ocean dive turned into a close hammerhead shark encounter, capturing the “vacation of a lifetime” shock in Cayman waters. Local Community Space: Central Scranton Park in George Town officially opened after a project costing more than $10 million, positioning it as a community gathering and recreation hub.

Tourism Growth: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June, up 6.9% year-on-year, extending growth to eight straight months and delivering a record first half (288,694 stayovers, +11.3%). Cruise Traffic: June cruise passenger arrivals rose 15.5% to 55,639; 681,391 cruise passengers visited in the first six months (+6.8%). Resort & Beach Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage with a multi-million-dollar sand replenishment project, adding a “Beach Resort” name change and aiming to finish early September; the restored beach will be open to the public. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit reports biting numbers above acceptable levels, with 2026 year-to-date averaging ~40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs ~29 in 2025), driven by tidal flooding. Airport Planning: Government has awarded a CI$1.498M contract for environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension plans at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac), amid concerns over North Sound impacts and costs. Visitor Moment: A family scuba trip turned unforgettable when hammerhead sharks swam close during a Cayman dive.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June, extending year-over-year growth to eight straight months, with arrivals up 6.9% and a record first half of 288,694 stayovers (+11.3%). Resort & Beach Updates: The Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage with a government-approved, multi-million-dollar sand replenishment project, expected to finish early September, and will rebrand as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort with the beach back at the center. Mosquito Control: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting mosquito numbers remain above acceptable levels, driven by tidal flooding, with 2026 year-to-date averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs. 29 in 2025). On-Island Diving Buzz: A visiting family’s first ocean dive turned into a close encounter with three hammerhead sharks. Airports & Environment: Engineers have been selected for $1.5M environmental impact assessments tied to proposed runway extensions at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac).

Tourism Growth: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y), extending eight straight months of growth, and logged a record first half with 288,694 stayover arrivals (+11.3%). Cruise Momentum: June cruise passengers rose to 55,639 (+15.5% y/y), with 681,391 cruise visitors in the first half (+6.8%). Beach Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach frontage and rebranding as “Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort,” with work due to finish early September and the restored beach opening to the public. Mosquito Alert: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain high, driven by tidal flooding, with 2026 averaging ~40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs ~29 last year). Airport Planning: Engineers have been selected for $1.5M environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension/widening plans at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac). Shark Encounter: A visiting family’s first ocean scuba dive turned into a close hammerhead shark encounter off Grand Cayman. Accessibility on Cruises: A wheelchair user says tender-port access can be inconsistent, sometimes leaving passengers stuck on board.

Beachfront Boost: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline with a government-approved, multi-million-dollar sand replenishment project, adding low-profile rock structures to help stabilize the beach; the work is due to finish early September and the beach will reopen to the public, with the property rebranding as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Tourism Momentum: The Cayman Islands logged 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y) for eight straight months of growth, and 288,694 stayovers in the first half (+11.3%); cruise passenger arrivals also rose to 55,639 in June (+15.5%). Mosquito Alert: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting mosquito numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, with 2026 ytd averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs. 29 last year), driven by tidal flooding. Airport Scrutiny: A CI$1.5M contract has been awarded for environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension plans at Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac), amid concerns over North Sound impacts and costs. Shark Encounter: A visiting family on a Cayman scuba trip captured a close hammerhead shark encounter during an ocean dive.

Marriott Beach Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is rebranding as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline with government-approved sand replenishment and low-profile rock structures, aiming to finish in early September and reopen the beach to the public. Mosquito Alert: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain elevated on Grand Cayman, with 2026 year-to-date averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (up from 29 last year), driven by tidal flooding and seasonal waves. Tourism Growth Watch: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y) and 288,694 for the first half (+11.3%), with cruise passengers also rising (55,639 in June, +15.5%). Airport Runway Scrutiny: A CI$1.498M contract has been awarded for environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension plans at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac), amid concerns over North Sound impacts and costs. Cruise Accessibility: A new report highlights how tender-port access can be frustrating for wheelchair users, with Grand Cayman mentioned as a case where ramps can make a difference. Shark Encounter: A first-time Cayman scuba trip turned dramatic when a family on an ocean dive encountered three hammerhead sharks up close.

Marriott Beach Comeback: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is restoring its Seven Mile Beach shoreline with a government-approved, multimillion-dollar sand replenishment project and low-profile rock structures, aiming to finish in early September and reopen the beach to the public; the property will also rebrand as the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Tourism Momentum: The Department of Tourism reports 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% YoY) and 288,694 for the first half (+11.3%), alongside 55,639 cruise passengers in June (+15.5%), keeping growth on track across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Mosquito Watch: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain elevated, with 2026 year-to-date averages around 40 mosquitoes per trap night (vs. 29 in 2025), driven by tidal flooding and seasonal wetland conditions. Shark Surprise for Divers: A first-time ocean dive for one Cayman trip turned into a close hammerhead encounter for a family, capturing the moment sharks swam right up during their dive. Cruise Accessibility Reminder: A new report highlights how tender-port access can be difficult for wheelchair users, with some ports requiring ramps while others involve gaps and stairs.

Airport Planning & Environment: The NCFC government has awarded a CI$1.498M contract for environmental impact assessments tied to runway extension plans at Owen Roberts (Grand Cayman) and Charles Kirkconnell (Cayman Brac), with critics warning about North Sound flood and sea-level risks and the bird habitats at the Brac site. Mosquito Alert: Grand Cayman’s Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain above acceptable levels, driven by tidal flooding that can hatch dormant eggs; 2026 is averaging about 40 mosquitoes per trap night vs 29 last year. Tourism Momentum: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y) for eight straight months of growth, and logged a record first half with 288,694 stayover arrivals (+11.3%); cruise passenger traffic also rose. Resort Update: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort announced a multi-million-dollar beachfront restoration and a refreshed brand, with work expected to finish early September and the beach reopening to the public. Visitor Experience & Safety: A family’s first ocean scuba trip turned into a close hammerhead shark encounter, while a separate report highlights how cruise tender-port access can be frustrating for travelers with mobility needs. Community & Culture: Central Scranton Park opened in George Town after a $10M+ build, and Island Walk hit a record fundraising year.

Mosquito Control Update: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit says biting numbers remain above acceptable levels in several Grand Cayman areas, with trap data showing a seasonal rise (about 40 mosquitoes per trap night year-to-date vs ~29 in 2025) and activity coming in waves tied to tidal flooding and wetland conditions. Tourism Demand Surge: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June (+6.9% y/y) and 288,694 in the first half (+11.3%), with hotel performance and air capacity also climbing; cruise passenger totals stayed strong too (55,639 in June, +15.5%). Resort Upgrade for Seven Mile Beach: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort announced a multi-million-dollar beachfront restoration and enhancements, including shoreline sand replenishment and stabilizing rock structures, with work expected to finish early September and the beach reopening to the public. Shark Encounter for Divers: A first-time ocean scuba trip turned unforgettable when a family in Cayman had a close hammerhead shark encounter during a dive. Visitor Planning Help: The Cayman Islands’ Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee is back for 2026, offering more flexible cancellation and rebooking terms at participating accommodations when a hurricane watch is issued. Health & Travel Crossover: Health City Cayman Islands completed the Caribbean’s first FARAPULSE procedure for atrial fibrillation, expanding advanced care locally. Cruise Accessibility Question: A new report highlights how tender-port access can be frustrating for travelers with mobility needs, depending on ramp and boarding setup. Local Tourism Support: The Visitor Experience Development Grant Programme continues backing Cayman tourism entrepreneurs with funding up to CI$50,000.

Tourism Numbers: Cayman welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June—up 6.9% year-on-year—marking eight straight months of growth and a record first half (288,694 stayover arrivals, +11.3%). Cruise Momentum: June cruise passenger arrivals rose 15.5% to 55,639; first-half cruise totals hit 681,391 (+6.8%). Resort Upgrade: Grand Cayman Marriott Resort announced a multi-million-dollar beachfront restoration on Seven Mile Beach, including sand replenishment and shoreline-stabilizing rock structures, with work due to finish early September and the beach reopening to the public. Community & Culture: Central Scranton Park in George Town officially opened after $10M+ in costs, adding walking areas, a multi-purpose court, and spaces for young people and seniors. Visitor Experience Funding: The Visitor Experience Development Grant Programme is backing local tourism entrepreneurs with grants up to CI$50,000. Wildlife & Water: A 400-pound sea turtle was rescued from a swimming pool at Rum Point and released back to sea. On-Island Stories: A family’s first ocean scuba dive turned unforgettable when hammerhead sharks swam close—no incident reported. Travel Safety: Cayman’s Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee is back for 2026, offering flexible cancellation/rebooking terms when a hurricane watch is issued.