But, there was a rebound in stay-over tourists during February and March. All together, air arrivals from the USA posted gains of 1,646 people for February 2000 and 1,286 for March 2000 when compared to the same months last year. Canadian arrivals into Cayman have been strong throughout the year and continue to be dominated by the Ontario market. Increased competition, as well as the reduced 777 service to Cayman, has kept arrivals from Europe at bay thus far in 2000. Evidence of this trend can be found not only in the increasing cruise numbers, but also in the demographics of the stay-over tourists who come here.
Length of stay continues to decrease.
This is another crucial indicator of consumer patterns. High months for this market segment include March, July and December. More research is being conducted to determine all factors, yet this could be an indication that potential customers are being attracted to other destinations and cruise ships. However, the Department of Tourism continues to effectively market to the sophisticated, affluent traveler and build brand loyalty to those qualified tourists who have been here before. People who have come here often continue to come here with great brand loyalty.