A public town hall meeting was held to combat “myths and misinformation” over the impacts of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands.
Organized by pressure group Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT), the meeting was part of a wider public education campaign to explain the benefits and the impacts of not keeping up with other Caribbean destinations.
The Caymans is a tender destination that has stalled cruise tourism growth for years and led to a decline in cruise calls. The ACT is made up of tour companies, restaurateurs, bar owners, and transportation providers concerned over the current cruise port situation.
Referendum Vote Later this Year
There has been talk of developing ship berthing facilities for many years but have got nowhere due to fears over environmental issues associated with dredging, and costs. The Cayman Parliament recently agreed to move forward with a cruise berthing referendum question, which will be held this year during the general election.
A dedicated pier is essential for the economy and people’s livelihoods, ACT says. Ellio Solomon ACT’s executive program manager said: ‘It’s important that all citizens understand the industry’s impact on our economy and the current threats it faces.”
The lack of berthing has effectively caused a 45% decline since 2018, ACT says. The Caymans was one of the last destinations to reopen to cruise ships after the global pandemic.
Environmental Concerns Voiced
Like many destinations, there is opposition to cruise port development based on environmental concerns. Campaign group CPR Cayman supports the public referendum but criticized “the vague question and lack of public disclosures.” The referendum question states: “Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?”
CPR Cayman fears the referendum could be hijacked by pro-cruise special interests. “We remain concerned about the lack of regulations, particularly around campaign financing,” it said in a statement.
The ACT says further public meetings about the issue are planned around the Cayman Islands in the coming months.
The Cayman Islands’ relationship with cruise tourism dates back decades. In its heyday, the islands were a must-visit port for major cruise lines, with Grand Cayman often touted as a jewel of the Western Caribbean.
However, the lack of docking facilities has made it less attractive for newer, larger ships.
