Road Town, Tortola - After recently attending Seatrade’s Cruise Shipping Miami 2010 Conference, the Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA), Mr. V. Victor O’Neal, said things are looking great for the Caribbean cruise market.
The conference was held from March 15 – 18 in Miami, Florida with over 100 countries represented.
The managing director was accompanied by a delegation including the Chairman of the BVIPA, Mr. Ronnie Lettsome, board members, Mr. Maxwell Smith and Mr. Franklin Walters, and other BVIPA personnel, Ms. Jurine George, Ms. Gervasina Manns and Ms. Miriam Mark. They worked alongside a team from the BVI Tourist Board, headed by Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board, Ms. Hadassah Ward.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Mr. O’Neal shared that the Caribbean remains the number one cruise destination, accounting for 37% of all itineraries in 2009.
“The industry forecasts an increase of 6.3% in cruise passengers,” said Mr. O’Neal. He continued, “Last year’s discussions were grim, due to the economic downturn, but things are looking great again.”
Mr. O’Neal added, “At the end of last year, statistics revealed that cruise ships in 2009 had an occupancy percentage that exceeded 104%.”
The managing director also explained, “In the near future, cruise ships will be getting bigger and bigger. Although this means fewer ship calls, it also means that more passengers will be coming per ship.”
Mr. Jeremiah Frett, Policy Analyst with the Ministry of Finance, also attended the conference and various workshops which he said, “opened his eyes to the current state of the cruise industry.”
“I was not sure what to expect, but I have learnt so much about the cruise industry, and what is happening in the Caribbean market,” said Mr. Frett.
In addition, Mr. Frett explained, “Due to forthcoming changes in the industry, some Caribbean destinations will be required to make some changes, in regards to cruise piers and other facilities.”
With regards to the local situation, Mr. Frett said, “Government continues to strive to enhance the cruise experience for our visitors through infrastructural development.” The policy analyst mentioned projects like the renovation of the existing cruise pier, along with current development of the new cruise ship tender pier.
Chairman of the BVIPA, Mr. Ronnie Lettsome commented, “The Virgin Islands is strategically positioned along the Caribbean archipelago, where we have and can continue to benefit greatly.” Mr. Lettsome indicated that over 550,000 cruise passengers visited the Territory in 2009.
“Overall, we are optimistic about the cruise industry in 2010,” said Mr. Lettsome.
The Cruise Shipping Miami Conference is the largest gathering of cruise line executives, tourism boards, port managers and other industry partners, who meet and discuss the happenings in the cruise industry.
The BVI Ports Authority is responsible for the provision and maintenance of the required sea transportation infrastructure for the Virgin Islands, and the efficient and effective handling of the related cargo and passenger operations.
British Virgin Islands News