Excitement is growing for the opportunity to get on cruise lines’ radars at the premier industry event representing the Caribbean and Latin America, as leading executives from Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) joined today at a press conference for the FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, taking place in San Juan from October 12-16.
“This event represents more than just an open door to the cruise industry, but also a foot in the door with executives who decide where ships call, what sells onboard, and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “With nearly 100 cruise executives already confirmed two months before the event, the industry is clearly looking for more business in the Caribbean and Latin America, so now destinations and stakeholders must answer the call. Puerto Rico broadcasted their commitment to continue improving their cruise tourism, and we look forward to furthering our work with the private and public sectors to increasing the benefits for Puerto Ricans.”
In his opening remarks, Adam Ceserano, president of FCCA, emphasized the importance of the event bringing both near-term business and long-term opportunities that strengthen not only Puerto Rico’s economy, but also the entire Caribbean cruise community: “This conference is not just about immediate business — it’s about building the partnerships that bring more ships, more passengers, and more economic growth for Puerto Rico and the entire Caribbean.”
He also encouraged more Puerto Ricans to attend and further spread cruise tourism’s economic wake throughout the island—focusing on the special reduced rate for locals developed with that objective—and reminded all potential attendees that time is of the essence, as today is the last day to register with the ‘early bird’ registration discount and guaranteed one-on-one meetings (locals have until September 10 to register with guaranteed meetings).
The FCCA Conference and Trade Show will feature key cruise executives in an interactive agenda including one-on-one meetings; workshops led by both cruise leaders and successful stakeholders to help foster business and understanding; and networking functions linking the attendees and executives in more casual environments, while displaying some of the best to see, hear, and taste in Puerto Rico.
Additionally, Puerto Rico is pulling out all the stops to impress the cruise executives with a specialized itinerary featuring some of the sites, infrastructure—and, of course, people—to collaborate on ways to increase cruise tourism, fulfill specific objectives, and ensure a sustainable and long-term future that benefits the people.
To that end, PRTC has already scheduled numerous exclusive tours, site visits, and meetings including various private and public stakeholders, while also taking place in efforts like the press conference—with participation by Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Willianette Robles Cancel, Executive Director of PRTC—to help motivate more locals to attend the event and benefit from cruise tourism.
