ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

NEWS AND SPECIALS

Back to Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

CRUISE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE STRATEGICALLY ENHANCED
Monday 28th October 2019


Antigua and Barbuda was represented at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show by Government tourism officials, and private sector tourism partners

San Juan, Puerto Rico (October 27 2019) – Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Investment, The Honourable H. Charles Fernandez led a team of Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Officials, who accompanied by key private sector partners, recently attended the 26th annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Puerto Rico.


Antigua and Barbuda attends the 26th Annual FCCA Cruise Convention

The Tourism Officials used the event as an opportunity to update cruise line partners and the cruise industry media on marketing initiatives, latest improvements to the tourism product and new developments related to major investments in the country’s cruise tourism infrastructure.

Tourism Minister, The Hon. Charles Fernandez has called these infrastructure upgrades critical in positioning the destination to attract increased calls already confirmed on the itineraries of major cruise ship partners, some of whom have reported that they will double their passenger volumes in the next two years.

In a series of one-on-one meetings, the Antigua and  Barbuda Tourism delegation, which included the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James and Regional Sales Consultant Charmaine Spencer, met with cruise-line officials from Royal Caribbean Cruise lines (RCCL), Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Carnival Corporation, MSC, and Virgin Voyages the newest member of the FCCA.

Minister Fernandez, and his team held several meetings during the five-day event with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to confirm details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will govern a multi-million-dollar investment at Fort James. This project will significantly enhance the destination’s cruise product infrastructure and enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to adequately accommodate guests in a unique beach day experience.


L-R Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James, President of the FCCA Michelle Paige, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister of Tourism The Hon. Charles Fernandez

In a meeting with Michelle Paige, President of the FCCA Operations Committee, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials also committed to facilitating an on-island meeting early next year with top FCCA Cruise Executives. Specific emphasis will be on inviting the Cruise Executives responsible for shore excursions. This will afford existing tour and excursion operators in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as new entrepreneurs seeking to enter this segment of the industry, an opportunity to understand the requirements needed to tap into this lucrative market.


Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials meet with Carnival Corporation

Minister Fernandez noted that, “This marketing effort and the recent strategic initiatives with Global Ports Holding, Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Corporations are tangible examples of the Government’s sterling efforts to ensure Antigua and Barbuda stays top of mind in the cruise industry and remains a major port of call on the Itineraries of all major cruise lines that serve the region.

“In doing so we are also ensuring that our people continue to benefit and are positioned to take advantage of the host of business opportunities that now present themselves with the exponential growth in cruise passenger arrivals that will take place within the next two years.”


L -R  ABTA CEO Colin C. James, Royal Caribbean International Cruise Executives Miguel Pena and Frederico Gonsalvez, Antigua and Barbuda  Minister of Tourism The Hon. Charles Fernandez

Antigua and Barbuda’s destination booth was a hub of activity as the private sector partners took full advantage of their attendance at the event to secure more cruise line shore excursion business for their respective companies. These partners included, Tropical Adventures, The Rendezvous Company, SJC Platinum Services and Wadadli Cats.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, “Antigua and Barbuda has clearly positioned itself to take advantage of the forecasted global growth in cruise tourism with attendance at the annual FCCA Cruise Marketing Convention. This event is a major feature on the Tourism

Authority’s marketing calendar and provides unrivalled meeting and networking opportunities with the international cruise industry.”
James thanked the individual cruise lines for their support over the years and their confidence in the destination as demonstrated by the strengthening of the partnership in recent months with major industry players.

The FCCA Marketing conference helps to foster relationships, generate new business and share in the exciting innovations that will enhance the experience of today’s discerning cruise community.  In the spirit of partnership, The Monserrat Tourist Board was afforded complimentary access to the major cruise event as guests on the Antigua and Barbuda stand. The tourism officials from Montserrat were extremely appreciative of this collaborative gesture in support of their efforts to attract smaller cruise lines to Montserrat.


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