Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has accepted an invitation from Royal Caribbean International to join the inaugural sail of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Government House announced Monday.
Bryan will be out of the territory until July 21, engaging in activities that promise to bring further economic opportunities to the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the press release.
While in Florida, Bryan will participate in the celebratory launch of Utopia of the Seas and seize the opportunity to strengthen regional ties and explore new avenues for tourism and economic development. His itinerary includes important business meetings with the St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, and with Adam Ceserano and Michele Paige of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the press release stated.
These talks will focus on expanding cruise tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, improving infrastructure to support larger vessels, and exploring ways to increase the economic impact of cruise visitors on local businesses, the release stated.
Bryan expressed his enthusiasm about the trip: “I am honored to join Royal Caribbean for the inaugural sail of Utopia of the Seas. This is a significant event for the cruise industry and an excellent opportunity to showcase the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier destination. My meetings with Minister Heyliger-Marten and the leaders of the FCCA will be pivotal in forging stronger partnerships and securing new opportunities for our territory.”
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach will serve as acting governor during Bryan’s absence, the release stated.
The Governor’s Office will provide updates on the outcomes of these meetings and any new initiatives resulting from this trip. We are committed to leveraging these opportunities to bring tangible benefits to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it said.
