News

Experience Cayman, the Cayman Islands’ first virtual festival, has released its final line-up, with just under 100 virtual experiences highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs now live on the festival website. The December line-up features a festive twist on many of the experiences, encouraging the Cayman Islands community to support local as they celebrate the holiday season.

Hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure with support from the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, the Cayman Islands Small Business Association, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association and Celebrate Cayman, the festival focuses on fostering love for all things local and bringing the spirit of the season to the community.

“We are very pleased to have such a large cross-section of local industries showcased through Experience Cayman, including retail, food and beverage, music and culture, hospitality and wellness,” says Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Hon. Joey Hew. “With many businesses still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s so important to make a conscious effort to support local, especially during the holidays.”

Virtual arenas within the festival include a Heritage Corner hosted by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Cayman Kitchen hosted by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, Shopping Village hosted by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, The Campsite, Sand Garden hosted by the Cayman Islands Small Business Association, The Bandstand hosted by Celebrate Cayman, The Waterfront, Family Playground and Heritage Corner hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure. All participating vendors also feature in The Marketplace directory, making it even easier for residents to support them offline. 

For those wanting to learn more about local businesses, Experience Cayman LIVE will bring all the fun of the virtual festival to life in George Town. On Saturday, 5 December from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, around 30 business will take over Cardinall Avenue, to showcase and sell their goods while also ringing in the holiday season.

“Experience Cayman LIVE is a great way to get to know the faces behind the many incredible, independent business we have on island,” adds Colin Lumsden, the Ministry’s George Town Manager and Revitalisation Initiative Coordinator. “By purchasing from these businesses, you are not only able to walk away with a unique, beautifully made gift but, you’re also supporting a member of your community and their family. And that really is the spirit of the season.”

To explore the Experience Cayman virtual festival, visit www.gov.ky/experiencecayman or follow Experience Cayman on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceCayman) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/experience_cayman).