FCCA/Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association announced that the UK's Cayman Islands would host the "2023 FCCA PAMAC Conference" as part of the continued partnership with FCCA "to build back cruise tourism even better than its 2019 levels."
The event is due to take place on June 20-23, 2023 (in the territory's capital George Town on Grand Cayman), and gather FCCA's Platinum Members with key executives for a series of meetings (one-on-ones / joint sessions between all members & executives), with a spotlight on itinerary development, product development, and FCCA’s Employment & Purchasing programs centered on increasing local hires/products used onboard, as well as networking events to build relationships/business.
By hosting the event, the Caymans will showcase local sites, food, products, facilities, and more (including its airfare/hotel options) to the audience.
Additionally, the Caymans can coordinate specialized meetings with the executives for government leaders, suppliers, tour operators, and entities that foster hiring to help fulfill the goals established in the strategic partnership with FCCA, such as assisting the private sector, fostering cruise lines’ purchase of local goods, improving employment, and more that will help locals prosper from cruise tourism.
The partnership was formed in April 2022 after returning to cruise tourism following a 2+ year hiatus subsequent to a visit by FCCA/cruise executives that included meetings with government & health officials.
Via the partnership, the Cayman Islands aims to maximize cruise tourism benefits, which generated US$224.54 million in cruise tourism expenditures, in addition to US$92.24 million in employee wage income, during the 2017-2018 season, according to the Business Research & Economic Advisors report “Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies.”
As part of the partnership, FCCA is guiding the Cayman Islands government on increasing cruise calls.
Image: Grand Cayman Island (George Town Harbour)
The agreement utilizes FCCA’s cruise executive committees, including the ones focused on employment/purchasing, for a series of meetings/site visits, focused on the Cayman Islands’ objectives, and giving open access to and assistance from the Executive Committee, comprised of presidents/above of FCCA Member Lines.
The Cymans' include the cruise destinations Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.