June 2005   - Following successful participation in the British Bird Watching Fair for the previous two years, the Cayman Islands are pleased to once again be part of the Annual Fair, held at Rutland Water Nature Reserve in marquee four, stand 93. The Fair is the ideal opportunity for the Cayman Islands to build on the growing awareness of the Caribbean Islands’ appeal as an ‘avitourist’ destination. Evidence of this growing awareness can be seen in the inclusion of the Cayman Islands in the itineraries offered by the specialist tour operators, Ornitholidays and Island Holidays.

On the stand throughout the show will be Patricia E. Bradley, field and conservation biologist and author of ‘Birds of the Cayman Islands’. Patricia will be on hand to offer her specialist knowledge of the bird life of the three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Rose-throated Parrot is the national bird of the Cayman Islands but other highlights include the Vitelline Warbler, which is practically endemic to the Islands, the Yellow Warbler, Red-footed Boobies and the Red-legged Thrush. 

The Cayman Islands are located 480 miles southwest of Miami and are commonly know for their beaches and outstanding marine life. However, avitourism is the largest growing sector of nature tourism and investment continues to be made throughout Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman in this sector. Over the past couple of years, the Sister Islands have concentrated resources on developing bird-watching infrastructure such as forest trails, viewing platforms on the wetlands and comprehensive interpretative signage throughout.

The continued on island development is of particular importance, as stressed by Don McDougall, Regional Manager, Europe, for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, “The hard work that has taken place on the islands to highlight the special bird life has resulted in the successful inclusion of the Cayman Islands in the itineraries of Ornitholidays for 2005 and inclusion for the first time for Island Holidays in 2006. We are keen to continue to build upon the growing awareness of our beautiful Caribbean Islands as a bird watching destination. Participating in the British Bird Watching Fair is a highly successful and proven avenue in achieving this.”

Also on stand at the show will be Jayne Maloney, Sales & Marketing Manager of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, who will be able to advice on all aspects of booking a holiday to the Cayman Islands and visiting attractions.

For more information on the Cayman Islands, please contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on ++44 (0) 20 7491 7771 or through the official UK website www.caymanislands.co.uk