DOT PLACES EMPHASIS ON SPORTS TOURISM; Athletes And Spectators Of Squash Open Welcomed To Cayman Islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (April 15, 2010) – Fresh off the back of the 2010 CARIFTA Games, last night saw the Cayman Islands welcome hundreds of visiting professional squash athletes and spectators who have traveled from afar to attend this week’s Cayman Islands Open Squash Tournament. The Premier, Hon. McKeeva Bush, Tourism Councilor, Hon. Cline Glidden, and the organisers of the 2010 Cayman Islands Open Squash Tournament welcomed the visiting athletes
The Department of Tourism, as a major sponsor of the tournament, is well aware of the benefits that sports tourism can bring to bear on the Cayman Islands economy. “Having sponsored the Cayman Open for the last two years, as well as the recent NORCECA Volleyball Championship and the 2010 CARIFTA Games, we can clearly see how these types of large sporting events translate into an increase in business for the tourism private sector,” said the Hon. Cline Glidden, Tourism Councilor. “At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, sports tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade,” Mr. Glidden continued. “Not only do we welcome the visiting sportsmen and women participating in these events, but also their family and supporters who explore the island, learn the culture and develop a love for the Cayman Islands. The direct benefit to a destination is cash – the indirect benefit can be years of follow-on tourists.” The quarter-final, semi-final and final matches will take place for the first time on The Crescent at Camana Bay in an impressive 360 degree portable glass court, ensuring that every spectator has a perfect view of the matches no matter where they choose to sit. Those who watched the opening matches were awed with the impressive 360 degree portable glass court Attracting some of the very best squash players in the world, the Cayman Open also allows local players the opportunity to learn from the professionals during this exciting competition. All profits from the event will go towards the junior squash programme and the upgrade of squash facilities. In addition, over $18,000 worth of equipment has already been donated by the tournament to the junior squash programme. Squash is a sport known for developing both physical and mental agility and, in the last three years, the Cayman Islands has produced three Caribbean Junior champions and seen the rise of Cameron Stafford, who is currently the top ranked Under 19 male player. - | 
