Regional tourism officials discuss repositioning of cruise ships

TIMES INT'L

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) have begun talks on how they can work together to tackle the issue of the mass repositioning of cruise ships from the southern Caribbean in the summer months, and to improve the overall competitiveness of the Caribbean for summer cruising.

Representatives from both organisations met recently in Miami to discuss the issue. A delegation of Eastern Caribbean ministers of tourism, led by CTO Chairman Ricky Skerritt, met with FCCA officials last week at the offices of Carnival Cruise Lines to listen to each other’s concerns, and to explore ways to confront the situation in a manner that is mutually beneficial, CTO said in a statement.

Both sides agreed to a broad framework which includes conducting and sharing “a substantial amount of information- gathering and research”. They have also designated representatives from both teams to follow-up on ideas related to marketing and product development, and to report on progress made when the group meets again at a proposed time in June.

The CTO has expressed concern over the continued massive loss of cruise business, particularly from the southern/ eastern Caribbean, due to the seasonal repositioning of vessels from the Caribbean to other ports each summer. The region’s tourism development agency says this practice results in significant economic loss to local businesses and economies during this prolonged period of economic slowdown.

“We ask that together we begin a new examination of the issues related to this concern, so that the Caribbean, especially those islands farther to the east and south, can become more competitive in the summer cruise business without compromising the financial performance of the cruise lines,” Senator Skerritt said, adding that he hoped for a viable solution that would result in a win-win situation for the cruise lines and the Caribbean.

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