MDATT

MINISTRY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, TOURISMAND TRANSPORT - CAYMAN ISLANDS does that play in the overall economy? Minister Kirkconnell: “We had an excellent 2017, and 2018 looks like it’s going to be even better by the numbers.We’re extremely pleased about that from the standpoint of a small island nation, and what hap- pens in our region, and how we compete. This is my fifth year as Minister of Tourism and it’s the second term that the government of the day has been elected to serve.Our job is to create an environment for the private sector to be successful, and for our quality of life to be enjoyable–a good place to live,work, and play, and have the education, social wellbe- ing, and health that is due to all of us. “Finance and Tourism are the pillars of our economy. The global financial indus- try is extremely competitive now, as is tourism. And the other economic driver is the construction industry that is driven by offshore investment and provides opportunity for combined growth.We believe that our tourism product benefits from having other drivers around it.When people come here to do financial business, they enjoy the tourism product that’s available to them - sand, sun, sea, safety, and a quality offering in types of attractions.We had to look at where our tourists come from and understand how to get them to our destination. We also looked at the repeat opportunity for making guests comfortable, so they’d come back.” BVM: What are some significant milestones of your Ministry? Minister Kirkconnell: “A milestone for arrivals was reached this year be- cause we exceeded our goal of 400,000. That gives us economy of scale in certain aspects of our marketing and reach.We view the region as our WHAT: Ministry of District Administration, Tourism & Transport (DATT), Cayman Islands WHERE: Cayman Islands WEBSITE: www.gov.ky AT A GLANCE MINISTRY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, TOUR­ ISM & TRANSPORT (DATT), CAYMAN ISLANDS