~FCCA Renews Strategic Development Agreement with the British Virgin Islands~
Miramar, FL:--- Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) – the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity – is pleased to announce that it has again renewed its strategic development agreement with the British Virgin Islands. The tailored “Presidential Partner” agreement builds on the partnership originally formed in 2023 – and aims to further capitalize on record years for both the destination and cruise industry.
“This renewed agreement shows the momentum that FCCA and destinations are having in working together to maximize cruise tourism’s benefits,” said Micky Arison, Chairman of FCCA and Carnival Corporation & plc. “The British Virgin Islands has been a long-standing partner of the industry, and I am thrilled that this agreement signifies the improvement of so many lives and livelihoods.”
The British Virgin Islands has renewed this agreement to further grow its economic benefits from cruise tourism, which generated $85.7 million in direct expenditures, in addition to 1,666 jobs paying $18.3 million in wages during the 2023/2024 cruise year, according to the Business Research & Economic Advisors report Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies.
Both the British Virgin Islands and FCCA are also looking to further capitalize on recent records, including the 34.7 million cruise passengers that were projected to sail in 2024, as well as the destination’s tourist arrivals surging to 1,092,139 in 2024, a 9.8% increase compared 2023 – and reflecting growth across all visitor categories, with 768,293 Cruise Ship Visitors, a 6.8% increase; 305,876 Overnight Visitors, a 16.7% increase; and 17,970 Day Trippers, a 35.1% increase.
Through the agreement, FCCA will not only continue to guide the British Virgin Islands government on enhancing their product and increasing cruise calls but also facilitate new experiences to offer cruise companies and collaborate with the local private sector to maximize any opportunities.
Additionally, the agreement utilizes FCCA’s cruise executive committees, including sub-committees focused on employment and purchasing, for a series of meetings and site visits focused on the British Virgin Islands’ objectives.
The British Virgin Islands also has open access to the FCCA Executive Committee, comprised of presidents and above of FCCA Member Lines, along with their efforts to effectuate the agreement’s objectives and the destination’s goals.
Some of the other features of the strategic partnership include a focus on converting cruise guests to stay-over visitors, promoting summer cruising, engaging travel agents, creating consumer demand and developing a destination service needs assessment that will detail strengths, opportunities and needs.
“We are proud of our past work with the British Virgin Islands and honored that they have again put their faith in us and the cruise industry,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Through this agreement, FCCA remains fully committed to fulfilling individualized initiatives, which focus on assisting the private sector, improving employment, fostering cruise lines’ purchase of local goods and more that will help locals prosper from the economic impact that the industry brings.”
“The BVIPA is delighted to continue partnering with FCCA on our Strategic Development as it has consistently proven to be a significant contributor to our continued cruise growth and success,” said Akeem Pickering, Managing Director, BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA). “The growth and success of this partnership agreement are not only of benefit to BVIPA but extends to many families in our beautiful country. While our physical size is small of that in nature, our aim is to strive to be a giant presence in the Caribbean cruise market. We look forward to continued upward trajectory with this partnership as we serve the people of the BVI.”
