KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines says it has joined the US-based Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as a 2024 Destination Development Strategic Partner as it seeks to boost and expand the cruise industry’s demand for the multi-island state.
Kingston said the collaboration is part of a joint effort to promote the cruise industry. The agreement was signed during the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference held in Miami earlier this month.
Seatrade Cruise Global Conference is held annually and is the world’s largest event for cruise line executives, suppliers, and industry leaders. The FCCA is a non-profit organization comprising 23 member lines operating 200 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean, and Latin American waters.
The Ministry of Tourism said, “The strategic partnership will focus on developing the destination’s cruise tourism industry, collaborating on tourism research and product development, and enhancing cruise visitors’ onshore experience while visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Tourism Minister Carlos James said, “This strategic partnership comes when our country is experiencing significant tourism growth, particularly within the cruise tourism sector.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw a noteworthy increase in cruise tourism following the pandemic and the eruption of its volcano, La Soufriere, in 2001. The destination consists of 32 breathtaking islands and cays, with several ports of entry on various islands. It is a highly sought-after tourist destination.
James expressed optimism for continued growth in the cruise tourism sector following two consecutive record-breaking seasons.