Plans advancing for 16th annual FCCA Cruise Convention and Trade Show
ST. LUCIA (September 5, 2009) - The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is encouraging tourism industry stakeholders to view the current economic crisis as an opportunity to be at the forefront of the recovery when it comes.
Speaking ahead of the FCCA's annual cruise convention and trade show to be held in St. Lucia next month, Michele Paige, president of the trade association, said that "in times of an economic downturn, those that remain aggressively in the forefront of the marketplace are those who are best positioned to prosper as our economy recovers."
Admitting that the cruise sector had not been as badly affected as other sectors in the industry, Paige said "the future is our friend" and that the upcoming St. Lucia cruise conference - from October 26 to 30 - was a critical opportunity for players in the Caribbean and global tourism industry "to step up their game."
Paige also announced that Almond Smugglers Cove - a village-style resort located on 60 acres of lush tropical gardens - will be the official conference hotel for the meeting.
The 16th annual conference includes lively round-table talks and several workshops led by an impressive roster of industry experts in marketing, purchasing/sourcing and shore excursions/operations. Delegates will also participate in a highly anticipated trade show featuring member lines from a variety of destinations spanning the globe from Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Alongside the conference, the RAK Porcelain FCCA 12th Annual Golf Classic, to be hosted by the St. Lucia Golf Resort and Country Club and featuring some of the industry's top cruise executives, will be both a networking and fundraising exercise.
To confirm hotel reservations at Almond Smugglers Cove (US $160.00 plus taxes per night - European Plan), contact fcca@almondresorts.com. Special rates have been secured with other hotels as well as with American Airlines. Visit www.f-cca.com/conference for further details.
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.
