St. Maarten Becomes First Destination Partner to Jump on Board ‘The Caribbean Is Open’ Campaign

Mérida, Mexico (October 26, 2017) – The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association representing the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America, is proud to announce that St. Maarten has become the first destination partner of the association’s multi-faceted, million-dollar campaign, “The Caribbean Is Open.”

“We could not be any prouder to partner with St. Maarten on this imperative initiative,” said Michele Paige, president, FCCA. “They have worked around the clock to reopen for tourism, and we look forward to showcasing those actions, along with the amazing products and friendly smiles awaiting visitors, to help inject a needed economic boost.”

"This is an excellent initiative by the FCCA, and we are proud to be the first destination to partner with them for this campaign,” said St. Maarten Minister of Tourism Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher. “The FCCA and its Member Lines have been genuine and supportive in their approach to assist in the recovery of St. Maarten and the region in general; this is what true partnership looks like. On St. Maarten, we have worked tirelessly to reopen our shores to welcome visitors back to St. Maarten, and this campaign will get our message out to the world that we are ready."

St. Maarten will be showcased through the campaign, “The Caribbean Is Open,” which is targeting multiple media sources with destination footage and traveler testimonials, along with other initiatives like a special event, celebrity support, and input and backing from destination leaders and travel industry titans. To date, the campaign has already generated more than 2.1 billion impressions and content reach surpassing 15.6 million, along with in excess of 20,000 content clicks and 6,950 shares of news stories.

Plus, the FCCA will work directly with St. Maarten to further tailor the message and create and distribute press materials complementing the campaign, driving awareness for both the travel consumers as part of the campaign and the FCCA’s Member Line executives and travel agents through its sister association, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

All of those resources will spotlight St. Maarten’s unique products—ranging from spectacular beaches leading into the Caribbean Sea famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise water to a bustling city center, as well as culture and cuisine influenced by the Dutch, year-round great weather and friendly people ready to welcome visitors.

They will also highlight St. Maarten’s diligence in recovering from the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which has led to a speedy recovery serving as a testament to its strength and resilience. The destination’s perseverance has led to it already being open for tourism, with Princess Juliana International Airport accepting commercial flights; replenished beaches and most shops, restaurants and bars open in Philipsburg; and tour operators ready to deliver unforgettable experiences.   

Cruise tourism will also soon return, with Port St. Maarten’s four of six cruise berths expected to be ready by November 1, and already supporting a humanitarian relief mission by Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas last month. The destination will welcome Royal Caribbean passengers shortly, with Grandeur of the Seas making the first post-storm cruise call on December 17 and the operator committed to returning to its regular schedule including visits from Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas and carrying nearly 6,000 visitors every week. In addition, Carnival Cruise Line will return in early January.

About the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
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, the FCCA on Facebook, and @FCCAupdates on Twitter.