Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Brings Caymanian Brunch Experience to New York City with Selita Ebanks

Stacked with local talent, the event enabled the Department to showcase what makes the Cayman Islands the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” to prominent U.S. media.

Yesterday, as part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York City, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) hosted a series of events for U.S. media, including a spin on Cayman brunch.

The event, hosted by model and star of Freeform’s “Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise” Selita Ebanks, featured well-known local personalities: mixologist and owner of Fusion Mixology, Maya Grant; and musician, Stuart Wilson. The brunch gave attendees - including prominent lifestyle, travel, entertainment, and culinary journalists - a taste of what brunch is like in the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” and is part of the Department’s larger strategy to increase U.S. tourism to the Cayman Islands.

A bountiful brunch spread was curated by executive chefs from the Marriott Grand Cayman Resort and Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa, featuring delicious, classic dishes like yellow curried lobster stew, cilantro and coconut rice, and more exotic delicacies like pulpo aguachile (octopus ceviche).

Guests sipped on rum-based cocktails with locally inspired flavours concocted by Grant, featuring Seven Fathoms Rum from Cayman Spirits Co. while learning about the latest happenings across Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac via a Q&A session between Ebanks and Director of Tourism Rosa Harris. The event also featured a signature bar sponsored by Cayman Airways where the highlight was a twist on Cayman Airways’ signature in-flight rum punch, a “Jet Set to Cayman Cocktail,” prepared with fresh fruit juices, hibiscus syrup, and other ingredients local to Cayman.

Before departing, the media were gifted “Brunch to Beach” tote bags from Isy B., an award-winning lifestyle and resort brand from the Cayman Islands. Each was filled with goods from Caymanian-owned businesses, such as Ted Green candles, Seven Fathoms Rum from Cayman Spirits Co., Cayman Sea Salt, and a greeting card featuring art prints from the collection of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

“Bringing Caymanians to New York City - a United States cultural hub and critical source market for the Cayman Islands - allows us to present our unique culture, cuisine, and identity to those who help influence consumer travel decisions,” said Harris. “By doing so, we not only highlight the true spirit of the Cayman Islands but inspire a greater appreciation for what makes the Cayman Islands a truly special place to vacation.”

The Cayman Islands remains steadfast in its mission to increase visitation from the United States and surpass its highest visitation year on record. This event represents just one piece of the Department’s broader marketing strategy. Media events such as these are designed to foster relationships with US-based lifestyle, travel and culinary media increasing national media coverage about the Cayman Islands to pique the interest of and deepen the connection with potential visitors.