by Brian Major
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Fri April 7, 2023
The government of St. Maarten renewed a strategic agreement
with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), signing on with FCCA as a
“Presidential Partner,” that will focus on the destination’s “specific goals,”
said officials in a statement.
St. Maarten is one of only three destinations to
hold membership in FCCA’s capped Presidential Partner program, officials said. FCCA’s
member lines represent more than 90 percent of global cruise
capacity.
The program provides St. Maarten with employment
opportunities for locals, with FCCA’s assistance in creating and implementing a
destination employment strategy and destination site inspections for port operations
and shore excursion executives, said Alexander Gumbs, Port St. Maarten’s CEO.
“As we move towards the future, we are excited to partner
with FCCA and further develop the business and destination through various
initiatives,” he said.
Other Presidential Partner benefits include priority in training
opportunities and “data and insight” regarding economic impact, daily spending,
calls and passenger volume,” Gumbs said.
The agreement was signed earlier this month by Gumbs and Arthur
L. Lambriex, St. Maarten’s minister of tourism, economic affairs, transport and
telecommunications, while aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.
Under the pact, FCCA will additionally “guide St. Maarten’s
public sector on ways to enhance the product and increase cruise calls,” said
officials.
FCCA will also “collaborate with the local private sector
to create new experiences and maximize opportunities,” including the purchase
of local goods and hiring St. Maarten citizens.
“St. Maarten has been a longtime partner of FCCA,” said Michele
Paige, FCCA’s CEO, who cited the destination for overcoming past hurricanes to
“helping the industry rebound from COVID-19 by hosting laid-up ships.”
Added Paige, “We are honored by St. Maarten’s continued
belief in us and our ability to help the destination and its citizens benefit
from cruise tourism.”
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