Cayman Islands Records Best January Ever with Record-Setting Visitation Across Major Source Markets
Contact: Public Relations
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Email: pr@caymanislands.ky
Cayman Islands Records Best January Ever with Record-Setting Visitation Across Major Source Markets
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (27 February 2026) – The Cayman Islands welcomed 47,047 stayover visitors in January 2026, marking the strongest January on record and a 13.6% increase year over year.
This performance surpassed the previous record set in January 2020 by 9.7% reinforcing the destination’s upward growth trajectory. January’s results also represent the second consecutive month of record-setting arrivals following December 2025’s historic performance.Total visitation for the month of January – combining stayover and cruise visitors – reached 192,754 visitors.
With two consecutive months of record-setting stayover arrivals and expanded airlift scheduled across key gateways for 2026, the Cayman Islands enters the year with strong momentum and confidence for continued growth.
The Hon. Gary Rutty, Minister of Tourism and Trade Development said the milestone achievement reflects the continued success of the Cayman Islands Government’s tourism strategy, “Achieving the strongest January in our history is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the strategic investments we have made in airlift, global marketing and partnerships with our tourism stakeholders. Double-digit growth from major markets indicates that the Cayman Islands brand remains highly competitive and deeply desired by travellers seeking a premium Caribbean experience.”
United States Drives Growth
In January, the United States remained the Cayman Islands’ largest source market with 37,879 visitors marking an 11.2% increase over 2025 and setting a new January record. Growth was particularly strong from the Midwest, which saw a 12.8% increase in visitation year-over-year, supported by expanded airlift from Chicago and Detroit. The South also showed solid gains of 6.9% and the West showed an increase of 2.9% year-over-year led by significant increases from the Cayman Airways’ Limited gateway of Denver.
Canada Achieves Highest Monthly Visitation Ever
January was an exceptional month for Canada, with 5,151 stayover visitors – an increase of 38.6% year on year and the highest monthly arrival total ever. This performance was fueled by expanded airlift from Toronto and Ottawa increasing the total seat capacity from Canada by 89% inclusive of new service from Porter Airlines.
UK & Europe Show Steady Gains
In January, visitation from the UK & Ireland increased by 11.4% year-over-year setting a new January record while visitation from continental Europe grew by 14.0% year-over-year led by visitors from Germany. This is a result of CIDOT’s continued investment in public relations and trade engagement in the DACH region – comprised of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Increased Airlift Supports Record Performance
The destination’s total inbound seat capacity from the United States, Canada and the UK via Nassau for January 2026 was 90,060 seats an increase of 18,750 seats compared to January 2026. The increase was fueled by expanded service from Chicago, Toronto and Miami, as well as new routes from Fort Lauderdale, Detroit and Ottawa strengthening connectivity to the destination.
Looking forward, the destination is scheduled to see an increase of approximately 44,000 inbound air seats from the United States, Canada and the UK via Nassau between February and May 2026 when compared to the same period in 2025, setting the stage for robust 2026 visitation.
Hotel performance in January also remained strong with global hotel intelligence firm, STR Inc. recording a 6% increase in the destination’s average daily rate (ADR) over the same period in 2025.
Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris, noted the steady team collaboration with airline and industry partners has positioned the destination for this growth, “January’s record performance builds on the momentum established at the close of 2025 and reflects deliberate, data-driven decisions to expand air capacity in high-performing markets. With strong forward airlift projections for 2026, we are well-positioned to deliver on this demand throughout 2026.”
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The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) supports the overall strategic objectives of the destination by providing reliable statistical data, useful information and analysis for future planning, decision making and policy formulation. CIDOT provides online statistical data in an easy-to-use format for persons requiring tourism related figures.
To view visitation statistics please visit: www.ourcayman.ky