On the back of an increase in demand for the luxury Caribbean destination, the Cayman Island Department of Tourism has committed to an up-weight in its trade and consumer engagement for 2017/18 and beyond.

Don McDougall, regional manager, Europe, for the Cayman Islands, said: “Demand for Cayman is strong, especially at the top end of the market and for special interest holidays.

“Recent openings such as the design-led Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa hotel and an upgrading of many other luxury properties across the three islands has created a lot of interest.

“Last year’s introduction of British Airways’ Boeing 777 service with increased capacity to include more premium seats also helped us to deliver a record number of high value tourist arrivals in 2016.”

He added: “The Cayman Islands has also recently been brochured by a number of tour operators for the first time and our recently strengthened marketing team will be getting out and about meeting more travel agents and tour operators over the coming months.

“There will also be new incentives and fam trip opportunities as the year progresses.”

One of these tour operators is Funway Travel who now sell seven of the main properties available in Grand Cayman.

These are the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa; Comfort Suites, Seven Mile Beach; The Holiday Inn; Sunshine Suites Resort and the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort.

As a further sign of a continuing commitment, the department of tourism has recently completed a review of its advertising and media buying arrangements and re-appointed travel and luxury brand marketing specialist mr.h as the lead agency for Europe.