POINTE BLANCHE:--- A harbour delegation led by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, is currently attending the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Exhibition along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo, in Curacao.
On Tuesday, 2nd October 2012 the FCCA conference opened in Curacao. Main discussion points were further development of the product offerings from Sint Maarten, future business outlook for the Caribbean which includes the BREA expenditure report.
State of the Industry Figures for 2012 were also given; Industry growth was also headline for the Caribbean, which continues to rank as the dominant cruise destination accounting for 39.8% of all itineraries in 2011, versus 41.3% in 2010, 37.02% in 2009, 37.25% in 2008.
Passenger numbers continue to remain consistent and high for the Caribbean, despite other rising destination.
The current cruise ship order book extending through 2015 includes 26 new builds, 17 ocean going vessels and nine European & American Cruise Riverboats from CLIA Member Lines with a value of nearly $12 billion.
Minister Romeo Pantophlet and Mingo recognizes that Sint Maarten must improve its product and further enhance its Cruise Faculties, when one looks at the expansion reaching its 10 anniversary, and that means that with the higher repeat of guests new offerings and enhancement is a most for us as a cruise destination to survive.
The vessels now all offer an array of feature –rich innovative amenities and services. The FCCA conference will officially end on Friday.
