October 21, 2024

Delegates arrive in St. Maarten for FCCA Conference

Delegates from across the Caribbean region and the cruise industry are arriving in St. Maarten for the 30th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Port St. Maarten.

This year’s conference promises impactful discussions, with one of themost anticipated sessions being the Presidential Panel, featuring CEOs and Presidents from leading cruise lines.

Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, and Adam Ceserano, FCCA President, will engage with various stakeholders and key partners as the Caribbean cruise sector takes center stage. 

With more than 31 million passengers visiting the Caribbean via cruise ships last year, this conference underscores the vital role the cruise industry plays in the region’s socioeconomic development. 

Official events kick off Monday evening with a private Platinum Member and Cruise Executive reception.

SVG Port Authority ready for cruise meeting

Screenshot. To view video click HERE

Carl James, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, is among the enthusiastic delegates attending the FCCA Conference in St. Maarten this week.

In preparation for this significant event, he reflected on the importance of collaboration and the critical role that partnerships with FCCA play in driving progress and innovation within the cruise tourism industry.

Hurricanes Helene, Milton and Beryl: A wake-up call for Caribbean resilience

The Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes remains a constant challenge, highlighted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which affected the U.S. mainland. 

Although our islands were spared direct impacts, these storms emphasized vital preparation, prevention, and resilience lessons. Despite advanced forecasting and swift action saving lives, we must continue to improve infrastructure and strengthen community education to protect both lives and livelihoods. 

Learning from each storm is essential for building robust defenses and fostering a culture of preparedness, as the next major storm could arrive sooner than expected. 

Hurricane season isn’t the only time to stay vigilant — security and resilience must be priorities throughout the year. Investing in disaster management, enhancing community readiness, and securing long-term safety plans are crucial for safeguarding the region’s future.

Hurricane Beryl’s recent impact on the Caribbean is a stark reminder of the risks associated with hurricanes and the growing threats of climate change. Rising sea levels and increasingly erratic weather patterns mean complacency is not an option. 

These experiences underscore the need for year-round preparedness —securing property, stocking emergency supplies, and having clear evacuation plans are critical. By maintaining a proactive approach and implementing adaptive measures, the Caribbean can better mitigate thedevastating impacts of future storms and protect its progress.

Vanessa James to host 2024 CMEx Awards

Vanessa James, the Trinidadian-American multimedia business professional, is returning to Miami this December as the host of theCaribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser for the second year in a row. 

Known for her charisma and extensive media career, the CEO of VJ Media, James will once again take center stage to guide an unforgettable afternoon honoring leaders who have made significant contributions to Caribbean tourism. The honorees span diverse sectors, including media, sports and tourism, highlighting the wide-reaching influence of theCaribbean across industries.

James brings over 13 years of experience in voiceover, storytelling, and travel collaborations to her role, making her the perfect host for this important event. 

Proceeds from the awards will go toward educational initiatives aimed at empowering Caribbean youth and tourism professionals — an inspiring testament to the ongoing development of the region.

The Leadership Awards event is being supported by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa in St. Lucia,Gallows Point Resort in the United States Virgin Islands, Little Good Harbour & The Atlantis Historic Inn in Barbados, Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club in Grenada, The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa in Nevis, and Marketplace Excellence Corporation.

The CMEx Leadership Awards, set for December 8, 2024, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, celebrate the power of tourism to transform theregion. 

Digital Digest

Leverage the Latest Technology

In 2024, embracing cutting-edge technology is essential for Caribbean tourism stakeholders to enhance their marketing communications (MARCOM) strategies. By integrating tools like AI, data analytics, and immersive media, tourism departments and businesses can drive more personalized, efficient and impactful campaigns, creating meaningful connections with tech-savvy travelers seeking unique experiences in theCaribbean.

Action items to consider:

• Use AI to analyze traveler data and tailor marketing campaigns to specific customer preferences and behaviors.
• Automate ad buying to target the right audience at the right time, optimizing your marketing budget.
• Enhance customer engagement by offering immediate assistance on websites and social media through AI-powered tools and chatbots.
• Create immersive virtual tours of your destination through AR/VR, allowing potential visitors to experience Caribbean attractions before they travel.
• Centralize customer data to gain deeper insights and craft personalized marketing messages that resonate with diverse traveler segments.

By integrating these technologies, Caribbean destinations can stay ahead of industry trends and foster deeper connections with both new and returning travelers.

Quotable Caribbean

“This nonstop service between Grenada and Georgetown is a game-changer for regional connectivity. We’re bridging cultures, fostering trade, and opening new possibilities for tourism and business. The convenience of nonstop flights will save travelers precious time and make journeys between these destinations more accessible. At interCaribbean, we’re committed to weaving a tighter, more connected fabric across theCaribbean and South America (Guyana), and this route is a further step in that direction.” – Trevor Sadler, CEO, interCaribbean Airways

Medical Moment

World Stroke Day, observed on October 29, highlights the global movement inspired and motivated by stories of courage, resilience, inventiveness and hope from stroke survivors. This year’s theme, #GreaterThan stroke, encourages individuals to engage in physical activities that promote recovery and reduce stroke risk. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive impairments, and emotional changes. Globally, approximately 15 million people suffer from stroke each year, with one-third of cases resulting in death.​

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), cerebrovascular disease, or stroke, was among the top 10 causes of death in the Caribbean from 2000 to 2016. For individuals over 70 years old, this disease was the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Prevention measures also include controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, getting the recommended amount of weekly exercise, and managing conditions like high blood sugar and cholesterol through prescribed medications.

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