This article first appeared in the Spring/Summer 2015 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats
Founded in 1972, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) was literally built to connect destinations with the cruise industry. Our core mandate has been, and always will be, to develop bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors and foster communications and understanding between them and the cruise industry in order to maximise the potential benefits for all parties.
That sounds like a mouthful, but simply means that we develop partnerships with destinations and their stakeholders. We then work with them to learn about their individual issues and goals, and we utilise our knowledge of the industry to tailor an action plan that optimises their cruise tourism impact. Of course, it helps that we also offer them a direct line to cruise executives, presidents, CEOs and chairmen from our
19 Member Lines.
This kind of custom-fit plan has proven effective, as evidenced by our role in helping Martinique become the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise destination. According to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Martinique experienced a 99.9% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in the first 10 months of 2014, compared to the same period in 2013.
However, this gain simply represents one part of the country’s growth strategy. As Karine Roy-Camille, Martinique Tourism Commissioner, told me: “Naturally, I am excited that in just a few years, our partnership has helped our cruise business increase by over 500%, but I realise that our work is just beginning to make sure we deliver the type of experience that your Member Lines and their guests expect. Your support and guidance, as well as the support and guidance of the Security and video porno Operations Committee, has been crucial in our development.”
How does a destination or company gain access to this knowledge and Member Line personnel that decide where ships call, what products sell onboard and how to invest in destination infrastructure?
That part is also simple because our membership programme and events offer exactly that. Both include functions that gather these decision makers with cruise tourism stakeholders in casual, engaging settings for a healthy mix of business and pleasure that helps form significant relationships. Members and attendees experience this balance while cementing deals at a friendly dinner or getting an inside look at industry projects on unforgettable tours.
The FCCA’s keynote event, the Conference & Trade Show, taking place in Cozumel, Mexico from 6–9 October 2015, will also showcase this balance during its four-day agenda chock-full of business giapponese porno sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees can target cruise executives during one-on-one meetings or evening functions, as well as learn from the executives during workshops that cater to informing attendees how to increase their share of cruise tourism. Last year’s workshops focused on creating and maintaining a successful tour product; developing a port in partnership with the FCCA, cruise lines and the private/public sectors; and increasing cruise tourism through a unified vision, collaboration between the private and public sectors, and continual product development and innovation.
We are proud to maintain the same mandate since our inception and continually find new ways to help our destination partners and stakeholders develop relationships with the cruise lines’ decision makers and better understand the industry and how to maximise its impact.