The Department of Tourism (DOT) will participate in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s 18th Annual Cruise Conference and Trade Show Oct. 3-7 and is inviting local businesses to take part. The annual event, which will be held this year in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the leading event for the Caribbean cruise industry, providing an excellent forum for exchanging information and developing business relationships with cruise line decision-makers.
Each year the DOT participates in the conference and trade show; however, this year the department has reserved a significantly larger space at the show to maximize the exposure of the U.S.V.I. and allow participation by partners from the private sector.
“In this economically challenging time, the DOT is committed to increasing the business opportunities for local companies working with the cruise lines,” said Commissioner Nicholson-Doty. “By partnering with local businesses, we can most effectively showcase the broad range of tourism offerings that make the U.S.V.I. a marquis destination for the cruise lines, as well as introduce new activities, products and services that help the U.S.V.I. maintain its status as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.”
In order to make it financially feasible for local businesses to attend the event, the DOT will cover a substantial portion of the registration fee for companies that register at the DOT booth. Instead of paying $2,750 for a standard 10×10 booth, registrants with the DOT will pay only $550, representing a savings of 80 percent. At this reduced rate, one delegate from each business may exhibit at the trade show, as well as attend conference seminars and social networking events. The participating business will be responsible for the cost of travel and lodging in Puerto Rico. Tour operators, attractions and suppliers of locally made products and services with appeal to the cruise industry are encouraged to contact the Department of Tourism before Aug. 1. As space is limited, and in the interest of representing the diversity of tourism offerings, not all requests for participation may be granted based on space availability.
For detailed information about the 18th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, including the conference agenda, list of workshops, and other activities, visit www.f-cca.com or call the Department of Tourism at 774-8784.
