Tuesday, April 8 – The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has high praises for the Cruise Shipping Miami (CSM) show which some officers attended last month, and in a recent report has indicated that while Miami is an essential audience, the Authority has since decided to also target both the Latin American and Mediterranean cruise markets.
The report outlined the various business meetings which were attended by the Managing Director of the BVIPA Mr. Claude O. Skelton Cline. Mr. Cline met with representatives from various cruise lines including P&O, TUI, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Windstar, Princess and Disney.
The managing director said that one of the components that made CSM successful was meeting with clients to obtain vital statistics from guest surveys. The surveys consist of 14 categories showing what guests think of the destination’s cleanliness, range and availability of things to see, and tour variety, to name a few.
He noted, “In the case of Royal Caribbean, we were able to ascertain why the Solstice Class no longer calls at the cruise pier. What we learned is that it was an issue regarding the draft. We assured them that with the new development coming on stream next year, there will be at least 35.5 feet depth, which is more than enough as the standard depth is currently 31 feet,” adding, “CSM allows for that type of interface where we can sit, listen and provide feedback with our cruise partners.”
Further commenting on the meetings, Mr. Cline shared, “It was an excellent opportunity to gain an assessment from our cruise line partners and their customers who come to the BVI as our guests. All clients expressed their desire to continue calling in the BVI and some talks were had over the new fee structure. Overall, discussions were wholesome.”
Mr. Cline also said that one particular cruise line showed favour in submitting a proposal for a short term berthing agreement that will give them preferential rights to the cruise pier on some Fridays. He noted that this agreement would not exclude other lines from booking berths and said the public will be notified if and when the said proposal is received and approved.
Regarding the BVIPA’s purpose in attending CSM, Mr. Cline said, “Conferences like CSM are very valuable to BVI cruise tourism because it is the global industry all converging in one place at the same time. And so, you have the opportunity to meet with regional competitors. It’s an opportunity to glean and learn from friend and foe. It’s an opportunity to meet with fellow trade partners in ascertaining best practices.”
Mr. Cline also indicated that during interviews with a few on site cruise industry publications, the BVI was showcased as a prime cruise destination.
According to the BVIPA’s CSM report, the Authority already has plans to target both the Latin American and Mediterranean markets. Mr. Cline commented, “What we’ve noted is that for our 2013/14 cruise season, we have had more calls from our European cruise lines, than our US base. So, it is important to have an ongoing presence in the Mediterranea to market the destination.”
As for the Latin American market, the managing director said, “South Americans are becoming wealthier and are using cruise to explore other destinations. Because there is always some challenge in Visa restrictions, the cruise lines are creating itineraries that bypass the US proper. It is important to note that most of their customers have access to a British territory, like the BVI.”
Mr. Cline led the BVIPA delegation which included Deputy Financial Secretary and Board Member Mr. Wendell Gaskin, General Counsel Ms. Vareen Vanterpool, Administration Manager Mrs. Bibi Chand, Personal Assistant Ms. Nadia Demming, Human Resources Manager Ms. Sophia Cupid and Public Relations Officer Ms. April Glasgow.
The Government of the Virgin Islands’ representation at Cruise Shipping Miami is in line with promoting the BVI’s new cruise pier development coming on stream in Summer 2015.
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