FCCA PLATINUM ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL IN PANAMA
July 15, 2003
Pembroke Pines,
FL. (July 15, 2003) Approximately 50 Members of the Florida-Caribbean
Cruise Association (FCCA) Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council along
with Cruise Executives from the 11 Member Lines, met in Panama on June
30 to July 1, for a two-day conference hosted by the four Platinum Members
of Panama: Aventuras 2000, Panama Canal Railway Company, Panama's Institute
of Tourism (IPAT) and Panama Ports Company.
Cruise Executives and Platinum Members were given the opportunity to enjoy a partial transit through the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal, aboard the Isla Morada, once owned by Al Capone and now owned by Adventuras 2000. After the day on the Canal, the Panama Canal Railway Company transports all on a luxurious train excursion that began on the Pacific side of the country and ended on the Caribbean side. Along the way guests were served a host of elegant Panamanian seafood dishes.
Following the day's events, Platinum Members and Cruise Executive were invited to Fort Amador for a dinner reception. Guests included Jerry Salazar, Minister of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Juan Carlos Navarro, Mayor of the City of Panama, Liriola Pitti, Director of Panama's Institute of Tourism (IPAT), Bertilda Garcia, Administrator of the Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) and Alfredo Arias, Administrator of the Interoceanic Regional Authority (ARI).
On Tuesday July 1, the Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council met to discuss issues currently facing most destinations, including Port Security, Insurance and Home Porting. Platinum Members voiced their concerns on issues relevant to their particular destinations, and received advice from the executives and other members. At the close of the meeting Platinum Members were invited to spend the day at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Lunch was provided and everyone took advantage of the many tours available. Some opted for fishing while others went monkey watching.
To
bid farewell to a perfect event, the Panama Canal Authority hosted
a cocktail reception at the Miraflores Welcome Center and gave a
tour of the new facilities. I must register my sincere appreciation
to the FCCA staff for a very well organized Advisory Council Meeting.
The field event to the Panama Canal was historic and enlightening,
I enjoyed every bit of it from boarding the pirate vessel at Gamboa
to going down the Miraflores Locks. The ride back on the railway
was relaxing and gave us a different view of the virgin tropical
forest and the Gatun Lake. I must thank our host in Panama for a
wonderful visit. The meeting that followed was very healthy and the
discussion was of a very high level given the issues discussed. The
frank sharing of information from the Cruise Executives and the participants
made it what I would truly call a Partners Meeting expressed
Platinum Member, Benoit Bardouille, General Manager, Dominica Port
Authority.
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