The Caribbean had a strong presence at Seatrade Cruise Global as regional tourism leaders, many of whom are newly appointed, connected with cruise line executives to discuss mutually beneficial strategies for the sustainable development of the cruise industry.
Some highlights follow:
· As cruising returns in full force, the conference served as a timely opportunity for lines and destinations to thoughtfully steer the discussions and iron out a range of issues – from health safety to sourcing Caribbean products and increasing onboard employment opportunities for Caribbean nationals
· Barbados signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Caribbean Group that will generate opportunities for high-quality employment in the local tourism industry. The agreement establishes a partnership between the Government of Barbados and Royal Caribbean, where the two entities will work together to create cruise-related job opportunities for Barbadians.
· A similar agreement has been inked between Royal Caribbean and Antigua and Barbuda
· Beginning next year the U.S. Virgin Islands will welcome additional Royal Caribbean cruise ship visitors. Crown Bay on St. Thomas will see a 70 percent increase in passengers, while the cruise line will nearly triple its passenger volume to the Frederiksted pier on “The Big Island” of St. Croix.
· After a meeting with the Grenada Tourism Authority, Carnival Corporation’s Marie McKenzie, Vice President, Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations, thanked Grenadians for their support in bringing the industry and Carnival back to sailing. “It just continues to be a destination that our guests enjoy,” she said.
· The Caribbean cruise industry will convene next in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) hosts its cruise conference from June 1-3, 2022. FCCA Member Lines represent more than 90 percent of global ocean cruising capacity.
