March 2017 | Business View Caribbean

30 31 vibe. You can also go on a boating excursion to Stingray City (a top “must do”) or spend a few hours at The Turtle Centre or at the National Museum to learn about Caymanian heritage and culture. There are plenty of options to unplug and un- wind island-wide, and Northside and East End in Grand Cayman are sometimes considered our Caymanian cultural hubs, with some of the best local cuisine you can get right on the side of the road. It is where island time really kicks in. Starfish Point, Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, bioluminescent tours, Rum Point, mangrove tours, and the spectacular Crystal Caves are just some of the experiences in East End and Northside that you can engage in. Our sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, provide an even more laid-back envi- ronment for those looking for an even slower pace. Feeling adventurous? Cayman Brac is home to many caves with rich history and the Bluff; a cliff with amazing views. You can un- wind in a cozy guesthouse near the ocean with hammocks under shady trees and go exploring at your leisure. You can truly experience the essence of quaint island living on our sister islands. BVC: What does the landscape look like for the industry over the coming decade? Howwill CITA The Cayman Islands TourismAssociation continue to be a viable voice for the industry? TDE: This year of 2017 we honour and cel- ebrate Tourism in the Cayman Islands, which commenced with the National Heroes Day offi- cial ceremonies and honors, held on the public holiday this past January 23rd, by which the country honoured the steadfast contributions of over 400 pioneers and upcoming trailblazers in our tourism industry.While we celebrate the past, we are also preparing for the future. The Government, in consultation with the private sector, will soon finalize and adopt a Nation- al Tourism Plan that will serve in guiding the advancement and management of tourism over the long term. The developments, both public and private, over the next decade will shape the landscape for our tourism industry for decades to come. As we anticipate growth in visitation with both stayover guests and cruise visitors and as we expand our physical infrastructure, we seek to manage that growth without com- promising our visitors’ experiences. As a non-profit membership association, CITA’s role includes government relations and initiatives, advocacy, promotion, and coordina- tion on behalf of our members so the industry can continue to thrive. CITA’s advocacy and member collaboration on matters pertinent to tourism and our tourism related businesses are vital in maintaining a robust industry, beneficial to all stakeholders. CITA will continue to pro- vide a platform to voice and to collaborate for