Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (November 19, 2008) The tiny paradise island of Little Cayman is ready to receive visitors from tomorrow (Thursday November 20) with the reopening of Southern Cross Club and the resumption of regular flight schedules with Cayman Airways Express.

Though Paloma, which passed over the island on November 8, packed strong winds and heavy rain, Little Cayman escaped relatively unscathed and the main issue for resorts and residents has been the restoration of power.

Little Cayman Beach Resort and Head O’ Bay guest house are also expected to reopen tomorrow; and two further resorts, Pirates Point and Paradise Villas, are expected to have power by this weekend. Together with Southern Cross Club, these resorts represent the majority of room stock on the island. The Conch Club Condominiums and The Club will reopen in December.

“We are thankful that tourism properties in Little Cayman have been able to get back up and running so quickly,” said the Hon. Charles E. Clifford, Minster of Tourism. “The main hurdle has been downed power lines and Cayman Brac Power & Light and CUC are working tirelessly to restore power so that tourism in the Sister Islands can resume once more.”

On Grand Cayman, having felt few effects from the storm, everything is back to normal – turquoise seas, white sand beaches, balmy temperatures and world-class dining, diving and accommodations.

Cayman Brac was directly impacted by the storm and sustained significant damage. Tourism properties there are undergoing assessment and recovery efforts. As assessments are completed, updates will be provided on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism’s website: Cayman Islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, Travel and Tourism Site.

Visitors with plans to travel to the Sister Islands should contact their travel professional or the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism at 1-877-4CAYMAN.