Barbados cruise tourism officials are expected to be among hundreds of representatives in St Maarten later this year for a major industry meeting.
The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) announced that registration was now open for its cruise conference and trade show, which it said would attract more than 1 000 stakeholders from all sectors of the cruise tourism industry, along with over 100 FCCA member line cruise executives, presidents and chief executive officers (CEOs). The event will take place from October 6 to 10.
Attendees will have access to these key decision makers during a four-day series that will balance business sessions and networking opportunities, the FCCA noted.
“These include one-on-one meetings with cruise executives, which offer a chance to promote a product or receive individualised input; social functions that foster interaction in a laid-back, engaging atmosphere; and workshops focused on current issues with panels comprised of knowledgeable industry professionals and cruise executives, along with the presidents and CEOs heading a roundtable discussion,” it noted.
“In addition to these resources, attendees have access to St Maarten’s exciting setting and activities, with the Port of St Maarten, the government and local businesses linking to present a wow factor and show what cruise passengers can experience during a stay-over visit.
“Together, this creates the perfect forum for exchanging information and industry trends, sharing ideas, and cultivating valuable business relationships. Plus with an attendance of about one cruise executive per ten attendees, attendees have one of the best chances to target and gain insight from cruise lines’ key decision makers who influence what goes onboard and where ships call.”
FCCA said the event would be a plus for cruise destinations like Barbados.
“Any booth puts their product, company, or destination on attendees’ and executives’ minds, but special destination pavilion options provide the greatest impact at the trade show. They showcase a destination product as a team – from vendors and tour operators to destination ministries and port operators,” the organisation said. (SC/PR)
