Caribbean island hosted FCCA members to discuss how it can attract more cruise visitors
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Martinique Tourism Authority hosted a delegation of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) officials from 28-29 May as part of its continuing efforts to boost the island’s cruise market.
FCCA’s visit comes as Martinique Tourism Authority celebrated a 631% increase in cruise passenger arrivals between 2010 and 2014.
The island expects to handle 326,388 cruise passenger arrivals in the 2015-2016 season, a 31% increase over 2014-2015. Numbers are set to be boosted by the new Pointe Simon cruise terminal and improvement works in Fort-de-France, which are due to be completed this December. A new 94-room hotel and retail shops are also planned for the Pointe Simon port area, which will enable cruise companies to homeport ships in Fort-de-France and allow passengers to book pre- and post-cruise stays on the island.
“Cruising has certainly been on the rise in Martinique in recent years, but we’re not resting on our laurels,” said Muriel Wiltord, director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau. “This FCCA visit continues our commitment to work closely with our cruise industry partners to always find new ways to improve our cruise travel product and better meet the needs of today’s savvy traveller.”
During the visit, FCCA president Michele Paige provided a preview a new study on cruise passenger behaviour and spending in Martinique. She noted that on average, cruise ships bring around 4,000 passengers to the island, while each person spends an average of around US$70 per call.
“While the cruising industry in the Caribbean is facing increasing competition, Martinique is registering the fastest and most important increase in the world as a cruise destination,” said Paige.