Minister takes message about Cayman Islands tourist product to Canada
Hon Charles Clifford,
Minister for Tourism
Earl Smith, Pilar Bush, and Hon. Charles Clifford at the
Canadian reception in Toronto.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Hon Charles Clifford, Minister for Tourism, emphasised the close
relationship between the Cayman Islands and Canada, when the Department of
Tourism hosted an evening reception in Toronto for members of the press, on
the Minister’s first official visit to the country.
The evening started with a warm welcome from Earl Smith, Director, Canada,
for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, followed by speeches from both
the Minister of Tourism and the Director of Tourism, Pilar Bush.
“Canada plays a significant role in Cayman’s tourism industry and is our
third largest tourism source market,” Mr Clifford told the gathered audience.
“Canada has long enjoyed a strong affinity for the Cayman Islands – and one
frequently encounters the complimentary fusion of Caymanian and Canadian cheer
in offices, retail stores, beaches, hotels, restaurants and dive operations.”
The Minister explained many examples of the collaboration between the
Cayman Islands and Canada in the tourism industry.
“The first charter flight from Canada to Grand Cayman originated from
Vancouver in the early sixties, with Pacific Western Airlines (PWA),”
explained the Minister.
“One of our condominium properties – the Victoria House — was first
established by a Canadian couple from Victoria, British Columbia. The Hyatt
Regency Grand Cayman emerged in the mid ‘80s, through a development firm based
in Alberta.
Atlantis Submarines Intl. designed and built its first recreational
submarine, a popular underwater tourist attraction, and sent it to Grand
Cayman in the 80’s. This submarine was designed and built by a Canadian firm
in Vancouver, and its President is also a Canadian. Fortis owned, Newfoundland
Power, is the largest shareholder in our local electrical provider – Caribbean
Utilities Company – which is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.”
The Minsiter went on to talk about the re-development of tourism in the
Cayman Islands in the wake of Ivan including many improvements and emphasised
that travel to the Cayman Islands was getting easier than ever for people
living in the Toronto area.
“Air Canada is currently offering once a week non-stop service to Grand
Cayman which increases in frequency during the winter season,” said the
Minister.
“And - provided all airports are open of course - you can swap your
business suit for a swimsuit in less than 4 hours.’
The Director of Tourism provided a detailed tourism product update
including current and forecasted room stock, and the current number of
available restaurants and attractions in the Cayman Islands. Ms Bush
reinforced the message that the Cayman Islands is “Ready for Guests” and
continues to offer a wonderful vacation experience to visitors.
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