Tourism and Casinos

Frequent Flyer Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 43

In the Cayamnian Compass today there was a suggestion about bringing a Casino in as a tourist draw. It was all about lowering the national debt and creating jobs for all. It seemed like a decent idea but I know what the church groups have said in the past.

Casinos are in the Bahamas and most other Islands. It, along with great golf courses, have been a real boost in revenue for cash strapped Govts. Perhaps it's time to consider this and create the income that Brittain demands.

Native Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 1726 Location: Illinois

I would be sad to see that happen--wouldn't that change the whole environment of the island? I'm sure it would bring in some money but maybe they'll come up with some other good ideas. (not that I have any). Every government body is struggling with this issue now and I haven't seen any bright ideas except cutting back on spending and services.

Shelly :-)

Frequent Flyer Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 43

I think that the letter writers point was to generate debate. Tourism is slow and other people have suggested bringing down Air Fares, which are outrageous, to match other Islands. No matter what they do it needs to be done with a long term goal in mind.

Cayman needs to get a business model going that will bring a unique product to more peoples attention. It must not be just one item such as the sting rays, it has to be multi leveled to make Cayman attractive.

Part of Caymans heritage has a Pirate past and Pirates Week is always a big hit. Why not expand this theme and promote this so that kids of all ages can be included. If the Historic buldings were to include a replica of an old Jail along with a gallows and other Pirate memorbillia along with people in costumes dating back to that time it would be a winner. All people like tales of Pirates, ship wrecks and lost treasure. I am sure some historian could find some historic accounts of famous Pirates that sailed these waters and bring it to life.

Cayman needs to change the way they attract tourists and lower costs is the place to start. It is a well known fact that people will spend more on well priced items if they feel it's a bargain. Jobs depend on this.

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:38 am Post subject:

In this economic climate, providing value is more important than ever, as is generating additional sources of revenue.

The casino idea seems to generate much emotion on both sides. I know that the casinos bring $$ into the Detroit area near me, but there is also crime along with it. Of course, crime was there before the casinos ever arrived, so who can say if there is a causal relationship.

Hopefully others will weigh in with their views....
DS

Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

Casinos and crime do not go hand in hand. In most cases the crime was there way before the casinos arrived.

Most people go to Cayman for the beauty and the tranquility and I am not sure that having a casino would attract any more visitors. Cayman, like most islands is slightly expensive as most of the products have to be imported, therefore raising the costs.

A lot of my friends complain about the high cost of airfares to Cayman and prefer to go to islands where "all-inclusives" are the biggest attraction. In my case that is not what I want and therefore I love the peace and quiet of Cayman :-)

Heidi martini

Frequent Flyer Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 43

Heidi the biggest single complaint I hear is about the air fares. There has always been a crowd who prefers the all inclusives and being from Canada I know it is the prefered way for Canadians. Cayman is just too expensive for most of them due to the cost of Air Canada and other carriers.

Cayman needs to address this first.

Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 10:45 pm Post subject:

middletb,

Hi Heidi! Welcome back, it's been a while.

It's hard to say if the casinos cause lots more crime, increase existing crime a little or have little measurable effect. I imagine all sides can show 'statistics' to support their own cause!

Good to see you, have a great vacation. Do you have anything particular planned?
DS

Frequent Flyer Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 24

I love Cayman and have been going since 1980......BUT....Cayman is a very expensive Island. You can go to Mexico and get so much more for your dollar. If you are paying for a family to go to Cayman...it can be VERY expensive. Cayman doesn't have the attractions that other Island have but I'm not sure casinos would make a difference. Talk for years was that Cayman wanted to make itself an EXCLUSIVE Island for the rich. Cayman offered the safety and wonderful people that you didn't fine in other places. That is changing now. Work to make the Island as safe as it used to be!! Saying all that...I don't see casinos as being able to help with the problem.

Frequent Flyer Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 43

Aruba has small boutique Casinos that attract a wealthy crowd. A small top of the line Casino at the Ritz could set the right atmosphere for one or two more similar Casinos. You want a dress code and a rule like the Bahamas has that no resident can participate in the Casino. This would bring more money and tourists to Cayman.

On the down side Cayman must promote its product in a more business like manner. The idea that the Rich will come just because Cayman is there dosen't wash. Crime is on the rise because it was not a big issue along with drugs and the recession are fact. If Cayman wants to attract the Rich Cayman must do better with their training, schooling and service industries. The wealthy want friendly service along with attractions to entertain them. Improvements are needed in all of the above areas.

The Govt needs to get more offshore business's to come to Cayman. The Insurance industry is prime to be approached because the outsourcing going on in that group.

My opinions only but I hope it is positive.

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Hi DS,

Just got back from Vegas and thank goodness there are no casinos in Cayman !!!!!

Looking forward to some warmth after the deep freeze we all seem to be having.

Nothing much planned other than relaxing on the beach and spending Christmas as a family as both kids are joining us :-)

TGIF

Heidi martini

Frequent Flyer Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 24

Aruba has small boutique Casinos that attract a wealthy crowd. A small top of the line Casino at the Ritz could set the right atmosphere for one or two more similar Casinos. You want a dress code and a rule like the Bahamas has that no resident can participate in the Casino. This would bring more money and tourists to Cayman.

I would hate to see anything on the Island that the residents could not participate in. The charm on the Island is the people as much as anything else.

Frequent Flyer Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 43

The Bahamas was smart by not allowing their people to gamble. It prevented future problems while creating jobs and catering to tourists tastes.

Cayman is in a cash crunch and needs new ways to attract tourists. I don't gamble but I see how a small upscale Casino would increase cash flow for the Govt and bring in more tourists to spread their money around the Island. It can be a win win for all concerned if done right. Cayman needs to reinvent itself to attract new tourists. We are all sold on how great Cayman is. The only other way is for all of us to promote Cayman to the world because the Govt or their advertizing agencys have missed badly.

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