Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

New Agreement to Mutually Invest for Long-Term Benefits of Quintana Roo and FCCA Member Cruise Lines

Miramar, FL (August 28, 2024) – Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the State Government of Quintana Roo are proud to announce their partnership and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Cruise Tourism Welfare Mutual Trust Fund to improve tourism infrastructure, public security, and disaster readiness in Cozumel and Mahahual (Costa Maya), Quintana Roo, Mexico. Additionally, the State Government of Quintana Roo has become a Strategic Partner of FCCA – the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity – to further focus on cruise tourism growth and its benefits for the communities.

“We have always prided ourselves in maximizing mutual benefits between destinations and cruise lines, and this agreement is a testament to that while also showing Quintana Roo’s confidence in the cruise industry and maintaining sustainable growth,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “I look forward to seeing what this brings for the destinations we visit and, most importantly, the people, in building for a long-term vision.”

“This is a historic day, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding shows the commitment of my administration to continue to work hand-in-hand with each cruise line and the FCCA to enhance our ports, remain competitive and bring shared prosperity for the people of Quintana Roo” said Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo. “We are proud of how well the government and the private sector can work together through transparency and accountability.”

The Trust Fund was established based on the joint interest of Quintana Roo destination representatives and FCCA member cruise line executives to invest equally in improving the destination experience to attract more visitors while also building for the future of the communities and their residents. The Trust Fund will be allocated approximately 70% for tourism infrastructure and public security projects, and 30% for prevention and attention to natural disasters and health emergencies.

A Technical Committee will oversee the Trust Fund's project prioritization, transparency, and operation. The Committee will be comprised of nine total members, including four cruise line representatives; four state government representatives; and a vote of the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo.

Additionally, the State Government of Quintana Roo has become an FCCA Strategic Partner and a Platinum Member, further strengthening its relationship with the association and its member lines. Through the agreement, FCCA will not only guide the governments in Cozumel and Mahahual on enhancing the destination experience to attract more visitors and cruise calls, but also will help to facilitate new experiences to offer cruise companies and their guests, and will collaborate with the local private sector to maximize any opportunities.

“We appreciate the spirit of partnership the State Government of Quintana Roo has extended to us and the cruise industry,” said Paige. “Through this agreement, FCCA is fully committed to working with the State to fulfill our common goals and help the supporting communities prosper from the economic impact the industry brings.”

Quintana Roo stands at the forefront of global tourism, with renowned destinations like Cancun and the Riviera Maya drawing international acclaim. This leading position endows the government with a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development and environmental protection. In addition to focusing on ecological balance, the government is committed to advancing economic growth, education, healthcare, and public safety for its residents. Notably, the state has achieved a historic milestone with the election of its first female governor, representing a groundbreaking shift in its political landscape.

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.