Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

St. Lucia, FCCA Countdown To Annual Cruise Convention & Trade Show In October

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (August 4, 2009) - St. Lucia is getting ready to host hundreds of delegates for the 16th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Convention and Trade Show this October 26 to 30, 2009.

FCCA officials said preparations were in full swing for the premier industry event of the year, at which cruise executives, destinations, suppliers and tour operators meet with key players in the industry to analyze trends in it and discuss current issues.

FCCA President Michele Paige said her organization's mandate is to "foster a better understanding of the cruise industry and to develop cooperative relationships with our destination partners at both the public and private sector levels, in order to create a win-win situation for all."

"We look forward to deepening our relationship with the FCCA and the cruise sector and building on the phenomenal growth we've experienced in this sector over the past few years," said Senator Allen Chastanet, St. Lucia's Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. He added St. Lucia also anticipates showcasing the island's solid infrastructure, new and improved attractions and restaurants as well as top quality accommodations during the conference.

The conference's business sessions, social functions and trade show will again provide a forum for cruise industry partners to network, exchange information, share ideas and cultivate valuable business relationships. Paige explained that the trade show allows industry stakeholders to stay in the forefront during tough economic times, by showcasing destinations and products to member lines' cruise executives representing destinations spanning the globe from Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

"Those that aggressively remain in the forefront of the marketplace are those best positioned to prosper as the economy recovers," said Paige who expects the St. Lucia trade show exhibit to be one of the most successful to date.

For further information about registration and securing trade show booth space, visit
www.f-cca.com.

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.