Following a competitive multi-stage procurement process, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) announces ICF International (ICF) as its global aviation solution provider. ICF will be responsible for providing market analysis and strategic aviation guidance to support CIDOT's market diversification strategy.

ICF brings an expert team that encompasses experienced network route planners and analysts with core tourism expertise across the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

The appointment of ICF comes at a pivotal time for the Cayman Islands tourism industry as it diversifies its visitor base to build long-term resilience. Traditional reliance on a single source market exposes the destination to economic volatility, seasonal fluctuations, and external shocks. By expanding airlift from new markets in Europe and Latin America, the Cayman Islands is strategically positioning itself to weather market disruptions while flattening the patterns of seasonality that have historically challenged the destination's year-round performance.

Equally important to this diversification strategy is the protection and optimization of existing route networks. ICF will work closely with CIDOT to maintain fruitful collaborations with current airline partners and ensure that existing routes reach their full potential through enhanced load factors, frequency optimization, and strategic capacity management. This dual approach – securing new market access while maximising the performance of established routes – creates a robust foundation for sustainable tourism growth.

The transformative Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) Master plan, which includes a crucial runway extension specifically designed to accommodate the larger aircraft required to win new medium and long-haul routes, is a core component of this strategy. This runway extension will allow the ORIA facility to expand operational capacity and attract airlines utilising the larger wide-body aircraft that serve key targeted markets. These larger planes provide for efficient and economically viable direct service and the runway extension facilitates the destination to unlock direct connectivity to previously inaccessible destinations in Latin America, Europe and beyond.

The Master Plan's proposed general aviation terminal represents an equally significant opportunity for tourism diversification. This dedicated facility will streamline private aviation operations, positioning the Cayman Islands to capture the growing high-value private jet market. Since 2019, the number of visitors flying to the destination on private planes has increased by 20% representing approximately 5% of the overall number of stayover visitors in 2024. Private aviation traffic brings affluent visitors who typically spend more per capita and stay longer, contributing disproportionately to the destination's economic impact while adding another resilient revenue stream to the tourism portfolio.

ICF's appointment will enable the destination to maximize the potential of these planned airport infrastructure improvements, ensuring that new aviation capacity translates directly into diversified visitor arrivals and enhanced economic resilience.

“In a competitive tourism landscape where every destination is vying for additional routes and increased seat capacity to drive visitation, it is vital to work with partners that are knowledgeable and well connected in the industry,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism. “Our focus extends beyond simply adding routes – we are building a more resilient tourism economy through strategic market diversification while simultaneously protecting and growing our existing route network. Working with ICF will fortify our position as an attractive destination for global carriers while ensuring we maximise the potential of current partnerships and avoid over-dependence on any single market.”

Commenting on the evaluation process and the broader strategic vision, she continued, “An Aviation Solutions Provider plays a critical role in our agency ecosystem, particularly as we prepare to leverage the Owen Roberts Airport master plan improvements. ICF demonstrated top performance during the evaluation process not only for its deep bench of experience in the aviation sector, but also for its accompanying resource of tourism advisory services which will allow us to skillfully navigate global trends affecting both tourism and aviation.

We are confident that ICF will provide a holistic solution that ensures successful business development across all aviation segments – from expanding new commercial routes that diversify our visitor base to maximizing both existing and private aviation opportunities that enhance our tourism resilience. My team is planning a destination immersion for ICF and local stakeholder meetings. I look forward to introducing the ICF Cayman Islands representatives to key tourism partners.”

ICF's Head of Tourism Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos stated, “It is an absolute pleasure to be working for the benefit of tourism development in the Cayman Islands, assisting the country with its Air Service Development, all while ensuring the advancement of the tourism objectives of the country, and safeguarding the coordination and alignment necessary amongst all interested parties within the tourism ecosystem.”

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