APRIL 15, 2024

Caribbean in the Spotlight at Seatrade

FCCA CEO Michele Paige (center) with l-r Alex Gumbs (St. Maarten), Carlos Mercado Santiago (Puerto Rico), Clive McCoy (British Virgin Islands), Minister Kenneth Bryan (Cayman Islands), and Commissioner Joseph Boschulte (U.S. Virgin Islands)

The Caribbean, anchored in part by the support of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), shone brightly at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week. The week got off to an energized start with an exciting “Backyard Jam” at FCCA’s headquarters in Miramar, which drew members from the Caribbean tourism and maritime communities.  This event set the stage for a stimulating panel discussion on Monday, featuring Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, Figen Ayan, President of MedCruise, and Roger Blum, Principal of Cruise and Port Advisors, Inc. as the moderator. The panel, titled “The Value of Regional Collaboration”, highlighted the importance of uniting efforts across destinations to enhance recognition, enrich product delivery, and stimulate business within their geographical areas. On Tuesday, FCCA CEO Michele Paige moderated the “Caribbean Cruising Spotlight” panel, with participants including Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands and Chairman of the CTO; Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands; Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, British Virgin Islands; Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company; and Alex Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten. Throughout the conference, numerous private stakeholder meetings took place, aimed at bolstering the cruise sector in the region. At the conference’s conclusion, the FCCA stated: “The FCCA and FCCA Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to our partners for their participation in another dynamic Seatrade Cruise Global. We look forward to continued meaningful engagement and the opportunity to create a positive impact together in the coming months. Bon voyage!”

Barbados tourism minister, new CEO share vision

To view video click HERE

Barbados demonstrated a strong presence at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global conference, which concluded last week in Miami Beach. 

Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, together with Andrea Franklin, the new CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., provided insights on the island’s tourism initiatives. 

They discussed partnerships, prospects and preparations for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in June, and highlighted efforts to boost tourism and enhance the visitor experience. 

Check out the video above.

FCCA Foundation Relaunch Receives Shining Support

Christine Duffy, President Carnival Cruise Line (center), Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard) (left), and Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises at the FCCA Foundation Shining Stars Dinner in Florida

The reboot of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation received the support of the industry’s top brass at a special dinner event held during Seatrade Cruise Global last week.

More than a dozen C-suite execs from the cruise industry came out for the 2024 Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner.

“I cannot be more honored and humbled by the record amount of FCCA Member Line Presidents, CEOs and Chairs participating at an FCCA Foundation event,” said Michele Paige, CEO of the FCCA. “This clearly shows their support in its mission and made the event a tremendous success for all involved, actualizing the Foundation’s pillar of creating a better future – and marking a bright future for this annual event at Seatrade.”

The exclusive event, sponsored by Diamonds International and Port Everglades, took place at Steakhouse Prime 54.

Table Hosts included Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line; Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line; Felix Eichhorn, President, AIDA; David Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line; Laura Hodges, President, Celebrity Cruises; Natalya Leahy, President, Seabourn; Paul Ludlow, President, Carnival UK; Tom McAlpin, Chairman, Virgin Voyages; John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises; Frank A. Del Rio, President & CEO, Oceania Cruises; Rick Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc; and Mario Zanetti, President, Costa Cruises.

Table Sponsors included Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Canaveral Port Authority; Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Chukka Caribbean Ltd.; Effy Jewelry; Huna Totem Corporation; ITM Group; PortMiami; and Port St. Maarten.

All proceeds will go directly to the FCCA Foundation’s efforts to support and benefit young people throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company honored at Seatrade

Pictured l-r are FCCA CEO Michele Paige; Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC); Crystal Bell, Director, Air and Cruise Access, PRTC; Beth Hatt, CEO, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence; and Melanie Colpitts, VP of Aquila.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) has received the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence’s “Aquila Whalesong Award for Excellence in People Investment”.

The award, presented during Seatrade 2024, celebrates organizations that demonstrate outstanding dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth and development within the tourism sector.

The award, which takes the form of a whale tail and symbolizes strength, wisdom and the profound harmony echoed in the whale song, recognizes the exemplary commitment of the PRTC team. 

“The Aquila Whalesong Award represents our commitment to celebrating those who embody dedication, innovation and leadership in building vibrant tourism destinations,” said Beth Hatt, founder and CEO of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. 

“Through this annual tradition, we aim to recognize and honor individuals and teams whose contributions echo the grace and power of the whales, known for their close-knit communities and shared wisdom. The PRTC’s dedication to investing in people has not only strengthened their team but has also enriched the experiences of countless travelers visiting the island, and contributes to a vibrant cruise industry in the region through its people.”

PRTC is the first recipient of this award.

Quotable Caribbean

“I am proud to see the Caribbean’s appeal continue to captivate travelers. Our collaborative efforts with partners like FCCA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization underscore the unity of our region, ensuring unforgettable experiences for visitors while highlighting the unique strengths of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a safe, welcoming destination and a shared commitment to tourism, we embrace our role as an integral part of the Caribbean community.” – Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands

Celebrating women of the U.S. Virgin Islands – Part Five

In part five of this six-part series, we highlight two additional Virgin Islands women who are making significant contributions and were recently celebrated by the Virgin Islands 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee. 

The Honorable Maria Cabret – Legal Pioneer: Justice Maria Cabret has made historic strides in the judiciary of the Virgin Islands. Born in Frederiksted, St. Croix, she pursued higher education at Marymount Manhattan College and Howard University School of Law. In 1987, she broke barriers as the second woman and first person of Puerto Rican descent appointed as Judge of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, and later, in 2000, as the Presiding Judge. Throughout her esteemed career, Justice Cabret has been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape, authoring significant opinions and handling complex cases, such as the mass asbestos litigation on St. Croix. Her dedication and pioneering spirit were honored with her induction into the Virgin Islands Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005 and her appointment as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands in 2006.

Elizabeth Rogers – Entrepreneur and Community Catalyst: Born in the Dominican Republic to immigrants from Anguilla, Elizabeth Rogers has become a notable figure in the Virgin Islands community through her dynamic career and community involvement. She moved to St. Thomas with her family in 1992 and pursued a degree in Business Administration from American International University. Rogers, who is the owner of Color Max, has excelled in a variety of roles, from marketing and sales to restaurant ownership and banking, demonstrating a remarkable versatility and commitment to excellence. She played a pivotal role in establishing the first Latin Night at the Carnival Village, which has since become a beloved tradition, enhancing the cultural fabric of St. Thomas. An advocate for the Hispanic community, Rogers continues to support and inspire those around her, embodying the qualities of a phenomenal woman.

Medical Moment

World No Tobacco Day takes place on May 31, 2024.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA),cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use in the Caribbean region. It is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Additionally, the use of other tobacco products like cigars or pipes also heightens the risk of developing this disease.

Exposure to second-hand smoke leads to adverse health effects such as stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults, along with acute respiratory infections and severe asthma in children. 

World No Tobacco Day 2024 will provide a stage for young people worldwide who are urging the tobacco industry to stop targeting them with products detrimental to their health. 

Young individuals globally are advocating for governments to implement policies that protect them from manipulative industry practices, including marketing dangerous products via social media and streaming platforms.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.

Marketplace Excellence | 1812 Front Street, Suite 1814-3F, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, USA