On March 11, 2014, the Virgin Islands Office of the Governor held a Breakfast Cruise Executive Briefing for influential industry executives attending the Cruise Shipping Miami trade show. The event sparked important conversation on partnership and investment opportunities to establish cruise industry growth at the Territory’s three cruise shipping ports.
Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. led the briefing supported by West Indian Company Limited executive director Joseph Broschulte, Virgin Islands Port Authority executive director Carlton Dowe, Commissioner of Public Works Darryl A. Smalls and Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. Together, the delegation provided an update on the U.S. Virgin Islands’ investments, initiatives and enhancements to infrastructure and shore excursion opportunities that will make the Territory an even more desirable port of call.
“Meeting with the industry’s leading cruise industry authorities is a key strategy to bringing more ships to our destination,” said United States Virgin Islands Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. “As a result of this presentation, we were able to answer questions, change perceptions and spark important dialogue that will generate more tourism dollars for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economy.”
The 17 cruise line executives in attendance were eager to learn more about infrastructure improvements, growth in shore excursion opportunities and an update on safety and security. Among those in attendance were Carnival Corporation & PLC, Disney Cruise Lines, Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Cruise passenger visits and spending in the U.S. Virgin Islands increased 4.9% in 2013. The U.S. Virgin Islands has invested millions in infrastructure to enhance the port experience for both cruise lines and their passengers. This includes fresh culinary options, harbor transportation and enhanced shore excursion opportunities across the Territory.
For more information on the U.S. Virgin Islands’ latest tourism developments, visit www.governordejongh.com
– See more at: http://www.usviambassadors.com/ambassador/press-release/governor-de-jongh-meets-cruise-line-executives#sthash.w0C9rSeE.dpuf
