Sports tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry, which, despite the recent economic downturn, has continued to thrive.

The Cayman Islands is a growing sports tourism destination, with the infrastructure, first-class facilities and geographical location to expand on an unprecedented level.

The United States and Western Europe are relatively accessible for travellers and athletes, as a result of direct flights to and from Owen Roberts International Airport.

As for the international sporting events that have already been staged in the Cayman Islands, these have gained rapid recognition around the world.

The NORCECA beach volleyball tournament, first held in 2009, was such a success that the number of teams participating has more than doubled, from the initial 17 to the 40 hosted at the 2011 event.

The previous number of teams allowed to attend was 32, but interest in the tournament was so overwhelming that Cayman made room for an extra eight sides.

The Cayman Islands Squash Open, held in April, celebrated its third successful year. Many of the world’s top players battled it out on the court, to the delight of local crowds. The presence of the former world champion, Ramy Ashour, also helped to raise the profile and reputation of the event.

Hosting the CARIFTA track and field tournament in 2010 was another welcome boost to Cayman’s burgeoning sports tourism with more than 800 overseas competitors, officials, spectators and coaches attending the competition.

Flowers Sea Swim and the Cayman Islands Marathon are two more Cayman-based sporting contests that have drawn international athletes for many years and become valuable events on the local sports calendar.

Valuable tourism dollars have also been generated by international football, rugby, cycling, boxing, flag football and body building events, which have been recently hosted in Cayman.

With unparalleled sporting facilities, stunning beaches, and welcoming people, sports tourism in the Cayman Islands knows no limits.