In an industry-first move, the Cayman Islands recently hosted the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) PAMAC Summit, drawing over 25 high-ranking cruise executives and key destination stakeholders to its shores.

The summit, an interactive exchange of ideas and strategies, facilitated over 220 one-on-one meetings and included ample opportunities for networking. FCCA Platinum Members, representing 90% of the global cruising capacity, engaged in crucial discussions about future cruise routes, onboard sales strategies, and investment plans for various destinations.

Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, voiced her gratitude for the Cayman Islands hospitality. “This summit is a testament to the dedication of the Cayman Islands to the cruise industry, their remarkable ability to host an event of this magnitude, and the impressive initiatives they have underway,” she said.

The Honorable Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands Minister for Tourism & Ports, emphasized the necessity for adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. “As passenger needs and expectations continue to shift, it is vital for our cruise sector to constantly evaluate our offerings and consider new attractions, especially for repeat guests,” he said.

The FCCA PAMAC Summit served as a platform for these essential dialogues. A two-part main session concentrated on shore excursions, operations, itineraries, and retail. Expert panellists, including Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, Richard Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA, and Minister Bryan, delivered impactful presentations and addressed queries from participants.

In addition to the introductory sessions, the event offered unique opportunities for the Cayman Islands to engage in frank discussions with industry partners about product development and diversification, itinerary design, infrastructure management, and customer satisfaction enhancement.

The Cayman Islands government actively participated in the summit, sharing their forecasts and initiatives during a working lunch with Minister Bryan and the FCCA executives. Follow-up breakout sessions involved representatives from each FCCA Member Line discussing points of interest.

Moreover, site inspections of new and planned destination products and experiences offered first-hand insights. The Ministry and Department of Tourism facilitated specialized meetings between cruise executives and local attractions, suppliers, retailers, and tour operators.

Minister Bryan remarked on the productive conversations during the summit, affirming a mutual desire for change within the traditional cruise business model. “We encourage exploration and consideration of various models that cater to different offerings within each sub-sector,” he continued.

In hosting the FCCA PAMAC Summit, the Cayman Islands has signalled its intention to work closely with the cruise industry while focusing on open lines of communication. Their overarching goal is to promote sustainable growth in the cruise tourism sector, prioritizing quality over quantity.

In conclusion, the FCCA PAMAC Summit has initiated a new chapter in the cruise industry. With a clear focus on sustainable growth, the meetings signify the beginning of a transformative era, setting a precedent for future summits and highlighting the potential of collaboration in advancing industry practices.

For more information on the FCCA PAMAC Summit, visit www.f-cca.com. To learn more about the tourism initiatives of the Cayman Islands, please visit www.visitcaymanislands.com.