By Olivia Rose From TC Weekly

THE TCI’s all-important cruise industry surpassed one million cruise passengers in 2018 – despite the territory suffering damage from two hurricanes the year before.

The extraordinary achievement was highlighted on Cruise Industry News, an international industry website, on May 24.

The Ministry of Tourism previously said Caribbean destinations were expected to slow down in 2018 following the two major hurricanes that wreaked havoc in the region.

However, the cruise sector in the TCI managed to bounce back tremendously.

The web report went on to say that the Ministry of Tourism is developing plans to manage unregulated beach vendors taking advantage of increased cruise passenger arrivals.

Designated beach vendor zones will ensure benefits from the cruise sector trickle down to both small and medium-size businesses and create opportunities to boost the local economy.

Cruise Industry News also revealed that plans are currently underway to expand the pier in Grand Turk to accommodate passengers on Carnival’s Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras.
The company has already opened reservations for the ship’s inaugural season in 2020 which will see it sailing for 15 days throughout Europe and the Caribbean from August.

The much-anticipated cruise will offer two three-port, seven-day itineraries, alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean.
Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and culminate in Grand Turk.

Other Government work includes the redevelopment of Governor’s Beach, the creation of a donkey sanctuary, and other inland activities and beautification projects.

Plans are also in the pipeline to construct a new welcome booth at the cruise port later this year and to open a downtown welcome centre with more shops and restaurants.
T

he Ministry of Tourism told the Weekly News on Thursday (June 13) that a press conference will be held this coming week to officially announce the achievement and reveal plans for the sector.

For more on this story go to; http://tcweeklynews.com/tci-tops-one-million-cruise-passengers-in-p9741-127.htm