GRAND CAYMAN — The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has signed a new agency of record for public relations to represent the Cayman Islands in the Canadian market. Aerial Communications Group, in business for 22 years and based in Toronto, joins the Canadian tourism team to provide media relations, strategic partnership development and communications starting this month.

Focusing on growth in visitation and awareness from the Canadian leisure and business travel markets, the agency will assist the Department of Tourism with full implementation of these strategic goals for tourism. “The Cayman Islands continues to welcome increased stayover visitors each year, accomplishing record breaking numbers annually, but we must focus on reaching more Canadians seeking the ultimate Caribbean vacation,” said Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris. “There has been a historic affinity between the Cayman Islands and Canada which continues to make this a very important market for the destination. We look forward to bringing the Aerial team of market experts to assist in taking the Canadian strategy to the next level.”

Naomi Strasser, President, Aerial Communications Group, says the Cayman Islands has “a wonderful story to tell” as one of the world’s top destinations for recreation, relaxation and romance. “We look forward to telling Canadians what we know to be true – Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac have unique sensibilities that everyone should explore, and offer the best culinary, cultural and natural offerings in the Caribbean.”

This change in agency comes following an open competitive tender process as defined by the Cayman Islands Public Management and Finance Law, Departmental tendering policies and the Ministry of District Administration, Tourism & Transport (DATT) procurement policy.

The destination was previously represented by Fathom Communications. “While the Department of Tourism has had a long-term partnership with the previous public relations agency of record, the department is committed to due process being followed to achieve positive return on investment and value for its marketing services,” said the Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, Moses Kirkconnell. “My ministry looks forward to greater visitation and brand awareness from the Canadian market influenced by the expertise and engaging strategy Aerial Communications Group will deliver. I commend the Department of Tourism for prioritizing this process placing a focus on this key North American market which has shown significant economic recovery over the last two years. Canadian visitors are very important to our business and we commit to ensuring our formula for air seat availability, direct routes, quality accommodations and exciting on-island attractions deliver on a top-notch holiday.”