Tourism Ministry recaps FCCA Conference

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, attended the 20th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise and Conference Trade Show in Cartagena, Colombia, from 30 September – 5 October 2013.

On Thursday 3October, the Deputy Premier met FCCA President Michele Paige and partners in the cruise industry, to discuss cruise tourism and the status of cruise ship berthing on Grand Cayman.

Mr Kirkconnell updated those present on the business plan for berthing in George Town Harbour that is being developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Mott MacDonald, an internationally renowned marine engineering and environmental consultation firm.

The Deputy Premier also discussed in detail with cruise industry partners the advancement and improvement of the Cayman Islands’ tourism product, including attractions such as the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which serve as on-shore destinations for cruise ship passengers.

“In 2013, we are forecast to receive approximately 1.3 million cruise visitors. Cruise arrivals for 2014 are forecast at 1.8 million visitors. We hear that 2015 numbers may exceed 2 million cruise passengers. If it comes true, this projection will be a record number of cruise arrivals. One way to continue this trend is to attend conferences like this one, and have meaningful discussions with the FCCA and its member lines,” the Deputy Premier observed.

Chief Officer Stran Bodden and Director of Tourism Shomari Scott accompanied the Deputy Premier to Cartagena, Colombia.

The Conference offered a number of breakout sessions that were led by a roster of industry experts and guest speakers who are specialists in marketing, sourcing, shore excursions and operations. Mr Scott was a part of a panel that discussed the branding of a destination.

The total cost of the trip for the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell and Mr. Bodden was $5,756.15, which includes airfare, a daily per diem allowance, hotel and registration fees