Minister of Tourism Hon Charles Clifford has said Government is addressing the perception that the Cayman Islands tourism product is “too American” or “just another Caribbean island experience”.

Mr Clifford told the second of a three-part Go East Forum, in North Side, on Saturday that a unique product is being developed for the Islands.

“We will work with the current and new private sector partners to create a uniquely Caymanian experience for our visitors, thereby addressing the perception that our product is too American or just another Caribbean island experience,” he said.

The minister, who also has responsibilities for Commerce and the Environment, said development in the eastern district would be different from George Town and the Seven Mile Beach.

“We will focus on educating our people and our visitors on the importance of our environment to the overall quality of life in our country.

“We will hold this principle at the centre of the Go East Initiative as we know that the future lies in preserving, improving and marketing the natural gifts that God has blessed us with.”

As part of the new tourism development for the eastern communities of North Side, East End and Bodden Town, he said optimal use would be made of the natural and cultural resources. 

“This means taking an inventory of what our natural and cultural resources are, regardless of where they are and developing them in a way which will not destroy the very essence of what makes them special but which will allow us to share them with our visitors.”

The key objectives, according to Mr Clifford, are to distribute the economic benefits across a wider geographical and socio economic area and embrace cultural and heritage tourism.

He also listed improvement to the destination’s carrying capacity, better tourism management, increase levels of local ownership, and increase employment in tourism sector as objectives.

Mr Clifford told the gathering that his administration had spent the last eleven months laying a “solid foundation” for national development and the new thrust was part of it. 

“We intend to spend the next three years showing you that we are a Government that is true to its word and which will build on its campaign promises, turning them from promises to reality,” he said.

He reiterated plans to attract more nationals to the tourism industry through the Tourism Apprenticeship Programme and scholarships.

The government official also said the Department of Tourism (DOT) would give technical advice, marketing and promotional support, and guidance to people wishing to start businesses in the eastern district.

He added that the Cayman Islands Investment Bank (CIIB) would provide advice on how to establish small businesses, counselling and advisory services, and financing.

Director of Tourism Pilar Bush in her presentation on ‘Aligning Development with the National Tourism Management Policy’ highlighted the need to adopt a sustainable approach to tourism development and to protect and enhance the marine resources.

Ms Bush stressed the importance of a distinctive Caymanian experience, attracting a more discerning and higher level spending visitor, and the provision of a high quality product for the visitor.

Another presenter at the forum, Dax Basdeo, the head of the CIIB, spoke on “Pursuing new business opportunities” while DOT consultant Brian Mullis focused on “Best practices in sustainable tourism and the Go East Initiative”. 

Also present at the 22 April event were Health and Social Services Minister Hon Anthony Eden and Chairman of the Cayman Islands Development Bank Andre Iton.

The first forum was held at the Savannah Primary School on 8 April with the third and final forum in the series scheduled for the Civic Centre in East later this month.