Tourism official: Cayman may gain visitors if Bermuda OKs casinos
Bermuda is moving steadily toward the introduction of gaming as a way to create jobs, stoke revenues and boost tourism. Some officials in Cayman say they are not worried about possible competition, and Cayman could stand to benefit by remaining casino-free.
“We do not think Cayman should rush into following Bermuda on this,” said Tim Adam, the secretary of Cayman Island Tourism Authority. “We would need to consider what type of visitors gambling might attract, and there should also be studies done on whether Cayman’s existing visitors would be in favor of or against the introduction of gambling.”
A planned referendum on gaming in Bermuda was cancelled last year, and the government announced that lawmakers would instead vote on a plan to legalize gambling in the country. The matter is expected to go before the legislative assembly early this year, reported Caycompass.com.
Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier said gaming could “end the misery” of Bermudians suffering under a poor economy, and lead to more resort development. It would be a “game changer,” he said.
Adam said that Cayman has done fine without gambling, and should continue to do so. “If Bermuda introduces gambling, it is doubtful that would have a significant negative impact on tourist arrivals here,” he said. “Of course it could even turn out that we get some tourists coming to Cayman to avoid Bermuda because of them introducing gambling.”
