ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 20th, 2012   –  A delegation headed by Minister of Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool met with Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in Miami Florida at the corporate offices of Norwegian Cruise Line to enhance BVI relations with the cruise industry.

President of FCCA Ms. Michele Paige opened the February 16th meeting by expressing appreciation to the Minister for taking time to visit the FCCA and starting a process of dialogue to establish a long-term relationship critical to rebuilding the BVI relations with the cruise industry. “The FCCA was keen to develop a partnership with the BVI to the mutual benefit of the destination and the cruise lines visiting the Territory,” Ms. Paige stated.

Specific concerns outlined by the cruise lines during the meeting included, passenger’s first impression on arrival at the cruise pier, the need to make Road Town more pedestrian friendly as well as a need to showcase more historical and cultural activities to enhance passengers’ overall experience.

Minister Vanterpool in his response stated that the objective of the meeting was to get an idea of what some of the concerns were and what would be required to enhance the cruise economy of the BVI. “It is our goal to upgrade the BVI cruise infrastructure and the overall cruise visitor experience,” Minister Vanterpool confirmed.
The FCCA expressed keen interest in assisting the BVI with its plans to further develop the BVI as a unique cruise destination through infrastructural development and cultural experiences.

In addition to the meeting with FCCA, the delegation held a separate meeting with senior executives from Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) regarding their interest in the BVI as a port of call and to forge an alliance with the Minister and Government of the Virgin Islands to enhance NCL’s presence in the BVI.

The BVI delegation included Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Mr. Russell Harrigan and Personal Assistant to the Minister, Mrs. Bethsaida Smith-Hanley. Other cruise lines present at the meeting included Celebrity Cruises, Carnival, Disney Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean International.

Government remains committed to boosting cruise tourism in the Virgin Islands.

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