Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

Pembroke Pines, FL (August 25, 2014) - Construction is coming along at Port St. Maarten, where four buildings are being erected for a convention center to host the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show from October 6-10.

Hon. Ted Richardson-shareholder representative and minister of tourism and economic affairs, transportation & telecommunications-and Mark Mingo-CEO of Port St. Maarten-surveyed the progress during a site visit last weekend.

Mingo was pleased with the progress. "I would like to congratulate all involved with respect to what has been done so far," he said. "There is still much to be done, but we are on the right track. A presentation will soon be made to the Council of Ministers to update them on the progress being made."

Minister Richardson was impressed with the convention center setup after his review of the plans and brief about the logistics of the convention center's build-out. He also praised the event's purpose and benefits for St. Maarten and all attendees: "St. Maarten hosting the FCCA Conference is a major development for our country. It will bring the cruise industry right to our shores and give opportunity for those who would like to do business with the cruise sector. At the same time it pumps millions of dollars into our economy during early October, which is still part of the so-called low season."

He alluded to the involvement of about 100 cruise line presidents, CEOs and executives from varying sectors. They, along with over 1,000 cruise tourism stakeholders, will travel to St. Maarten for Conference & Trade Show's four-day series of meetings, workshops, networking functions and the trade show, all of which present a chance to target key cruise line decision makers in order to increase cruise tourism business, forge valuable working relationships and learn about the industry's current trends and issues.

The Conference's business functions will include one-on-one meetings offering a chance to promote a product to or receive individualized input from cruise executives selected by attendees; workshops on current issues with panels of knowledgeable industry professionals and cruise executives, along with the presidents and CEOs heading a roundtable discussion; and social functions that foster networking in a comfortable, engaging atmosphere.

The Trade Show will offer exhibitors an invaluable opportunity to target the influential audience, guaranteeing exposure through numerous events hosted at the Trade Show, many of which feature cruise executives, and traffic driven by its location, with all attendees entering and passing through to access the Conference's business sessions and registration.

Registration for and more information about the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show are available here: www.regonline.com/fccastmaarten.

Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and builds bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.