The extension of the Crewe Road bypass to Bobby Thompson Way opened just before Christmas. The new road (Linford Pierson Highway) has been named after the current Minister of Planning, and relieves the pressure on one of the busiest sections of road on the island. It is planned to extend the bypass to Walkers Road in late 2003. <br><br>A report "Focus for the Future, a draft tourism policy framework for the Cayman Islands" prepared for the Ministry of Tourism by the firm The Tourism Company (a UK-based consultancy), warns that the Cayman Islands "Cannot isolate themselves from the changes taking place in the outside world and if they cannot deliver what the market wants, those visitors will go elsewhere". The report warns that with changing working patterns with more shift working and contract employment, visitors are looking for flexible holidays that fit their lives, based on their limited time, especially for visitors from the USA where holiday entitlement is lower.<br>Holiday makers are looking for new experiences, and the Caribbean is now in competition with other long-haul holiday destinations, many of which can offer a richer and more diverse holiday experience. <br>Some statistics in the report make for interesting reading. In 2001 tourism arrivals fell for the first time, and it is forecast that full recovery won't be achieved until 2004. Travel and tourism is expected to grow by about 4.5% per year of the next decade. <br>In the Caribbean, tourism arrvials grew by 58% between 1990 and 2000, whilst in this period Cayman's share only increased by 40%. The cruise market increased by 6.5% over the decade, but for Cayman the figure was 12% over the same period. After September 11th 2000, tourism figures fell by 4% over the region. In Cayman, the figure was 5.7%, but in Bermuda they saw a 16% fall in visitor numbers. <br>The reports says that visitors from the USA are expected to increase because of its proximity and quality of diving. The report suggests that Cayman has opportunities in the niche markets. The dive market is already well established, and their is potential in the culture and heritage sectors and nature/eco-tourism. <br>The report concludes that there are short-term difficulties, especially with the risk of escallating tensions in the Middle East. Cayman is facing competition from other Caribbean destinations; notably the Bahamas and Cancun. Higher quality facilities and services are required to keep up/ahead of the competition. "It is down to Cayman to make sure it captures an appropraite share of the volatile tourism market and the relevant niches, over the long tertm, by making some hard decisions now and focusing on maximising value through providing an appropriate product and promoting effectively." "It is essential therefore, in drawing up a strategy, that we look ahead, not just to the problems of the next season but to the changing horizon of tourism over the next five years - and beyond." <br><br>December saw another major step in the development of the Ritz/Carlton site. There was traffice chaos along West Bay Road when the new footbridge to link the two parts of the resort was installed. The developers are now saying the project will be completed late in 2003.<br>The month also saw the opening of a new 700,000 gallon seawater breeding pond and 10,000 square feet turtle beach at the Turtle Farm, on the opposite side of the road to the original pond. <br>A small synagogue , Temple Beth Shalom, was dedicated by a visiting Rabbi in mid-December. The temple stands in the grounds of Waltons' Mango Manor in the Stake Bay area of Cayman Brac. <br>Cable & Wireless have started to build a $10million state-of-the-art telecommunications centre, able to withstand earthquakes and category 5 hurricanes. <br><br>The Government backed down on proposals to introduce a CI$1,000 per month licence fees for ex-pat fishermen. After public protests, the fees will now be CI$400 per year or CI$150 per month. <br>The proposed fees were intended as a measure to stave off depletion of fish stocks through the catching of under-size fish by some sectors of the community (widely thought to be aimed at Jamaicans and Filipinos who would be unable to afford the new licences). <br><br>The Legislative Assembly passed a bill to treat lawyers in the same way as accountants under the Trade and Business Licensing Law. The fees that these firms will have to pay are expected to raise over CI$1 million for government coffers. <br><br>The latest batch of employment statistics shows that unemployment on the islands is falling. There are now nearly 29,000 in the labour force, from a population of just over 43,000. The unemployment rate now stands at 5.7% For the full details see
http://www.gov.ky/pls/portal30/docs...ES/200212PRESSRELEASES/LABFORCSURVEY.PDF <br><br>Finally some good news for the Marriott. After the placing of reef balls, and some bad weather, sand is starting to appear on their beach! However I have heard that the reef work has meant that on occasions there is a strong under current, so take care! <br><br><br>Robert Clark<br>http://www.gotocayman.com
