A harbour delegation led by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, met with officials from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo disclosed on Tuesday.
On Tuesday Minister Pantophlet met with President of the FCCA Michel Paige. The Minister was officially introduced to the cruise line partners, and it was also an opportunity to discuss strategy, pending harbour projects, and hear directly from the cruise lines their issues of concern.
Harbour CEO Mark Mingo said the main topics were land base tour revenues and fueling issues which impact itinerary planning.
According to Mingo, Minister Pantophlet gave the cruise lines clarity on the future of harbour plans as well as existing projects.
"There is a lot of ground to cover and a lot of strategic projects need to be completed such as Pier I repairs as well as maintenance dredging in the Harbour basin. The agenda for the rest of the week is meeting with senior Cruise Executives, discussing the Strategic Agreements and making sure we look more at the quality of the Tourism Product. Harbour CEO Mark Mingo said on Tuesday from Miami.
Minister Pantophlet discussed with Paige about Sint Maarten hosting the 2014 FCCA Conference, and further discussions will take place later this year. Curacao will be hosting the 2012 FCCA trade and cruise conference.
The harbour delegation comprised of Richard van der Mark, Strategic Business Planning, Oneal Arrindell Jr., PR, Government & Harbour Relations.