Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (August 22, 2009) - Chairman and CEO Micky Arison of cruise giant Carnival Corporation is confirmed to open this Fall's cruise trade exhibit being staged alongside the 16th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Convention in St. Lucia from October 26 to 30, 2009.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association announced that Arison, who runs one of the largest vacation companies in the world and who also is FCCA's chairman, will jump-start the business discussions in St. Lucia.

FCCA President Michele Paige said Arison continues to demonstrate inspiring leadership in the cruise industry, and she encouraged regional and international industry officials to take advantage of the vital networking and business opportunities to emerge from the highly anticipated convention and trade show, which, she says, "has evolved into the primary opportunity to showcase destinations and products to the decision makers of the cruise industry."

She also announced the distinguished roster of cruise executives who will converge in the Eastern Caribbean includes presidents and CEOs of member lines along with global experts in cruise operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursions.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates that 13.2 million travelers took a cruise in 2008, an increase from 12.56 million in 2007. According to CLIA survey results (reported in April 2009), 66.2 percent of travel agents expected 2009 cruise revenues to be the same or better than 2008; almost 30 percent (29.6) expected somewhat better revenues this year. The FCCA predicts buoyancy growth in 2010.

For further information about registration and securing trade show booth space, visit www.f-cca.com. Space is limited.

Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and builds bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.