The cruise industry has become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry around the world. Cruise holidays have boomed with a dynamic 248% increase in the last seven years (ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015/2016).
· In Jamaica, cruise passenger Arrivals grew by 23.5% for the month of June, with 110,086 passengers from 25 cruise ship calls.
· I have appointed a National Cruise Council (NCC) which is mandated to guide and grow the local cruise economy in a steady and sustainable manner moving forward.
NCC ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
· Maintain a cohesive group of industry stakeholders that will advocate for the cruise business in Jamaica.
· Monitor global cruise shipping trends and strategically safeguard relationships with cruise shipping lines and enhance the experience of the cruise ship passenger.
· Make recommendations that will result in Jamaica’s cruise shipping industry embracing principles of sustainable tourism for development.
· Make recommendations for the improvement of the onshore experience of cruise passengers.
NCC MEMBERS
· At this time I wish to introduce Mr. Michael Belnavis, whom I have appointed as Chairman of the NCC.
· The other members are:
§ Harry Maragh – CEO, Lannaman and Morris (Shipping) Ltd.
§ Marilyn Burrowes – President, Dolphin Cove
§ Judy Schoenbein – Braemar Tours
§ John Byles – CEO, Chukka Caribbean
§ Michael Drakulich – Mystic Mountain Rain Forest/Mystic Ridge Hotel
§ Stephen Facey, Chairman & CEO, Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd.
§ William Tatham – Vice President, Port Authority of Jamaica
§ Verna Lugg – General Manager, Verna’s Creation
§ Lee Bailey – CEO, Caribbean Cruise and Shipping Tours
§ Denney Chanderam – Bijoux Jewelers Montego Bay
§ Jason Hall – Deputy Director of Tourism – Cruise, Events & Attractions, Jamaica Tourist Board
§ Denton Edwards – Director of Tourism Relations, Ministry of Tourism
· With the depth of experience and quality of expertise that we are so fortunate to have on this Council I have every confidence in the future of cruise tourism in Jamaica.
Thank you.
