By
Alex Smith |
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has formed a strategic agreement with the Cayman Islands government to help it enhance its cruise offering.
Through the agreement, FCCA will collaborate with the government to increase cruise calls, facilitate new experiences for cruise companies, and work with the local private sector to maximise opportunities. Additionally, as part of the agreement FCCA’s cruise executive committee, comprised of presidents and above of member lines in the FCCA, will participate in a series of meetings and site visits focused on the islands’ objectives.
“This new agreement shows the momentum that both FCCA and destinations are gaining with cruise tourism’s continued recovery,” said Micky Arison, chairman of FCCA and Carnival Corporation. “The Cayman Islands has been a long-standing partner of the industry, and I am honoured that this agreement signifies the return of a premier cruise destination, along with the rebound of so many lives and livelihoods.”
After a hiatus of over two years due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Cayman Islands recently started welcoming cruise calls after a site visit by FCCA and cruise executives, as well as a series of meetings with government and health officials. Cruise tourism generated $225 million in total expenditures and $92.2 million in total employee wage income in the Cayman Islands during the 2017-2018 cruise year, according to analyst Business Research & Economic Advisors.
“Safely and successfully welcoming cruise passengers back to the Cayman Islands has been one of our top priorities, as it is of significant importance to our local tourism industry and community,” said Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands’ minister for tourism and transport. “We are grateful to have like-minded partners such as the FCCA that not only wish to return to the Cayman Islands but will work strategically with us to enhance the cruise experience like never before.”