Stayover & Cruise Tourism
With site visits to the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and Carnival Paradise, this two-part seminar offered a 360° view of one of Cayman’s most visible and vital industries.
The experience began with a tour of the Marriott, where participants explored the inner workings of a luxury beachfront resort. From guest experience to sustainability practices, the visit highlighted how hospitality excellence is central to Cayman’s tourism brand. Two days later, the class boarded the Carnival Paradise for a behind-the-scenes look at cruise operations—complete with an info session, ship tour, and lunch on board.
The seminar, hosted at the Marriott, featured a powerhouse panel of tourism leaders. Rosa Harris, Director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, shared insights on the evolving tourism strategy, including a shift toward quality over quantity and a renewed focus on sustainability. Hermes Cuello, General Manager of the Marriott, brought a hotelier’s perspective on guest expectations, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of authentic experiences. Paul Tibbetts, EVP and CFO of Cayman Airways, connected the dots between airlift, route expansion, and the economic ripple effects of stayover tourism.
Breakout sessions tackled big questions: How can Cayman balance cruise volume with visitor experience? What’s the future of the cruise port post-referendum? And how can the tourism sector better distribute economic benefits across all three islands?
Participants also explored emerging trends—from sports and medical tourism to eco-travel and culinary events—and discussed how Cayman can diversify its offerings while protecting its natural and cultural assets. The seminar didn’t shy away from tough topics either: beach erosion, airport congestion, and the delicate dance between development and preservation.
With tourism contributing nearly 20% of GDP and supporting thousands of jobs, the stakes are high. But so is the potential. The message was clear: Cayman’s tourism future must be strategic, sustainable, and inclusive—with leadership that’s ready to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the visitor experience.