ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

NEWS AND SPECIALS

Back to Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

A & B COMMITS TO CRUISE TOURISM SECTOR IMPROVEMENTS
Tuesday 21st October 2014

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Hon. Asot Michael and Team at FCCA

Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Friday October, 10 2014) - Antigua & Barbuda continues to affirm its commitment to fast tracking improvements to the destination’s cruise tourism sector. This was the assurance given to cruise executives by tourism officials at the recently held Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Marketing Conference, in Philipsburg, St. Maarten from October 6th–10th 2014.

In a series of one-on-one meetings, and media interviews, the Antigua & Barbuda delegation, which was led by the Hon. Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Investment, Economic Development, and Energy, assured top cruise-line executives that the new Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party Government was committed to working assiduously on implementing its plans to expand the St. John’s Port facilities. Productive meetings were held with major cruise line partners such as Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines.

Minister Michael shared with the Cruise Executives, the Government’s redevelopment plans for the port as well as the new energy initiative, which will offer the cruise lines an opportunity to refuel their ships in Antigua and Barbuda. “We must look at all avenues to increase the likelihood that Antigua and Barbuda is a destination of choice on cruise line itineraries. This initiative, coupled with the redevelopment of the port and landside facilities, means that we will regain our marquee destination status in keeping with the Government’s vision for the industry” said Minister Michael.

Hon. Minister Michael and FCCA Chairman Kevin Sheehan

Cruise-line executives confirmed that Antigua & Barbuda is still well positioned as a premier cruise destination within the Caribbean on many of the cruise line itineraries. However, cruise-line officials would like to see the local sector evolve and the promised improvements implemented, to enhance the destination’s cruise tourism product.  

Other members of the delegation included chairman of the St. John’s Development Corporation (STDC) Rohan Hector, along with Executive Director Neil Butler and Deputy Chairman Senator Adrian Lee.  The St. John’s Development Corporation Officials used the opportunity to dialogue with officials from the Port of St Maarten, and observe firsthand the operations and processes that have contributed to St Maarten’s success as the leading cruise destination in the region.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Association Nathan Dundas were also present to discuss marketing initiatives and update cruise officials on the new tours and excursions available to enhance their guest experience.  

Additionally, Antigua & Barbuda thanked major cruise line partner, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) - through its Ocean Fund, for its recent joint funding of the destination’s participation, as one of the seven countries, in the Sustainable Destinations Alliance of the Americas initiative.  The first phase of the initiative involved a detailed planning process driven by all local tourism sectors. RCCL was assured of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to continue the process, with the implementation and monitoring of the identified priority project areas. A total of 77 Ship calls from RCCL have been secured by the destination for the upcoming season.

Hon. Minister Michael and Federico Gonsalez-Denton of RCCL

Several local tour and excursion operators, such as Carib World Travel, Wadadli Animal Nature Park, D Boat, Tropical Adventures and Sea Escape, were present with the ABTA staff at the destination booth and used their attendance at the conference to negotiate and secure more business from the cruise line for their operations.

In keeping with the importance of the cruise industry to all local stakeholders, the executive leadership of the St John’s Taxi Association also attended the conference where they observed firsthand the transfer systems used by St Maarten. The Port of St. Maarten efficiently dispatches tens of thousands of passenger via different options on cruise ship days with a win-win outcome for all stakeholders.

In 2014, the international cruise industry’s forecasts 21.7 million passengers to cruise globally, with 11.9 million sourced from North America and 9.8 million comprised of international passengers. This represents an approximate 2% increase over 2013’s figures and is commensurate with the added capacity. There has been growth in all global cruise regions, but the industry’s success continues to be headlined by the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda is forecasted to see a 15% in cruise arrivals for the 2014/15 winter season with over 700,000 cruise passengers visiting the destination.


Click here for all News and Specials for Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

 
connect with antiguanice.com
FacebookTwitterYoutubeNewsletterRSS

contact
NAME: Colin C. James
TEL: +1 (268) 562-7600
FAX: +1 (268) 562-7602
EMAIL: info@visitaandb.com
ADDRESS: ACB Financial Centre High and Temple Streets St John's Antigua
FIND US ON: Facebook Twitter
WEBSITE: Click here

news and specials

INCREASE IN AIRLIFTS TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Thursday 28th March 2024
American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Westjet are to increase flights into Antigua ...
Read More

THE PEPPERPOT DIARIES RUM SHOP

Monday 25th March 2024
The Pepperpot Diaries Rum Shop at Fort James launches May 8th for 100 days, over Restaurant Week and...
Read More

ANTIGUA ART WEEK

Thursday 7th March 2024
Call for artists for Antigua Art Week, November 27-December 3rd. ...
Read More

CONDOR TO RESTART SERVICE TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Wednesday 6th March 2024
Good news from ITB as Condor announced its return to Antigua with a weekly service starting Novembe...
Read More

WELCOME HOME TO CAPTAIN BRIAN CHASE

Wednesday 6th March 2024
Brian Chase has touched down in his home country for the first time as an American Airlines Captain....
Read More

All News Stories and Specials


video
"The Beach is just the Beginning"


whats on

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK

Saturday 4th May 2024. Read More

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK

Sunday 5th May 2024. Read More

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK

Monday 6th May 2024. Read More

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK

Tuesday 7th May 2024. Read More

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK

Wednesday 8th May 2024. Read More

All Whats On Listings