(CNS): Cayman Islands increased air capacity by 1% during the fourth quarter of this year compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, which was the last high season period before the COVID pandemic devastated the tourism sector It is expected that A tourism ministry official said in a press release that this is a positive sign of a tourism recovery in 2023. An airlift capacity report by the DoT’s research unit, which tracks flights, indicates Cayman will be ready for the second half of 2022. It indicates that you will start getting seats.
The report forecast an increase of 1,253 seats in the fourth quarter of this year, which Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said was a welcome sign of recovery.
“The relaxation of travel restrictions by the PACT government has released pent-up demand,” he said. “But we cannot be complacent about the status quo. Our focus is to drive growth from the markets where we have the most positive impact. While celebrating , we must continue to strive for opportunities to increase the number of flights, operating airlines and gateway cities.”
The net increase in seat capacity is driven by increased American Airlines connections through Charlotte and Miami, a strong feeder market in the Southwest of Texas, United Airlines growth in Washington, D.C. and Newark, and new nonstop flights from Baltimore to Washington. Partly driven by flight routes.
However, many secondary markets with less frequent service, such as Philadelphia and Boston, have lagged behind, and historic heavyweight Delta is still in the rebuilding phase with its connection through Atlanta.
The report shows signs of long-term growth early next year from Dallas and Houston, with year-over-year growth of 5% and 40%, respectively.
According to the DoT, Cayman Airlines is one of the destination’s most important advantages and a “market development silver bullet” in mitigating capacity losses by U.S. airlines. The national flag carrier’s new non-stop flights to Los Angeles will fill his 1,280 seats in the fourth quarter of 2022 and could have a positive impact on rising arrivals from Southern California.
“Air transport is the oxygen for our island tourism industry and our global team is working hard with our airlines to restore routes and seats,” said DoT Director Rosa Harris. , “Increase in Cayman Islands air traffic remains top priority”.
She said the DoT is currently down about 8% from 2019, so she’s working to increase air traffic from New York and the Tri-State area, which has traditionally been a major source of visitors during the winter months. said.
“Year-over-year growth from the New York market is always a priority,” Harris said. “Instilling trust in airlines and working with the accommodation sector to share booking pace and demand indicators as contextual data will help the Cayman Islands gain momentum.”
According to statistics Posted on the DoT websiteAs of the end of May this year, more than 88,000 overnight guests had entered the Cayman Islands.
