March 2017 | Business View Caribbean

28 29 The continuous growth in visitation to the Cayman Islands has led to the much anticipat- ed expansion of Grand Cayman’s, Owen Roberts International Airport. Among the many carriers that fly into Grand Cayman, Southwest Airlines is a recent addition to the direct carrier list and it is anticipated that this will open up travel op- portunities. The Airport Operations Committee is working closely with customer service teams to ensure that during airport renovations, all is done to mitigate the effects of the construction in the interim. Brian Krug, Chairman of the Air- port Operators Committee (AOC) and CITABoard Director, expressed,“In the most recent AOC meetings there are reports of positive feedback from passengers of numerous airlines, which is a direct result of the investment made into ensuring that the transitional phase of the airport renovations project is running smoothly.Addi- tional airport personnel have been hired to help manage customer relations, and the renovations are on schedule; good progress is being made.” BVC: What are some examples of best prac- The Cayman Islands TourismAssociation tices you’ve seen from local, tourism-supported businesses? TDE: CITA member businesses strive to pro- vide guests with authentic experiences during their stay. Business owners and managers tend to stay in tune with international trends in or- der to remain competitive, engaging in training and human capital to continue to remain cur- rent and relevant. Every watersports operator business, upon joining CITA’s membership, signs an extensive Watersports Guidelines document. With this, members commit to high standards in terms of general safety and abiding by certain principles in serving clients. What are some top destinations? What can tourists expect when they go there? Visitors to the Cayman Islands will experience a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere with an island feel. Along the famous Seven Mile Beach, visitors can partake in various activities, all within walking distance or a short taxi ride, or choose to do little to nothing and simply relax on the beach. One can indulge in shop- ping, dining, and socializing at Camana Bay, or venture down the strip to try one of the many restaurants and bars, each with their unique