SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov 5, CMC – The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference opened here on Monday with Montserrat participating in the five-day event after a 10 year absence.

A statement from the Montserrat government said that its participation in the event is a collaborative effort as part of the twinning initiative between itself and the Antigua and Barbuda government.

The FCCA conference brings together over 100 cruise executives and 1,000 industry stakeholders. It is aimed at fostering a better understanding of the inner workings of the cruise industry, while at the same time, providing an opportunity for attendees to improve their cruise tourism business.

A number of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders including St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and his Barbados counterpart, Mia Mottley are attending the event that ends on Friday.

The Montserrat delegation is being led by Premier Donaldson Romeo and the government statement said that the purpose of island’s attendance is to encourage cruise lines to make Montserrat a port of call in their 2021 cruise schedule.

“The Tourism Division anticipates that this will spin off towards increased ferry day-trip numbers, as some of the large cruise lines that dock in Antigua, depart as late as 8:00 p.m.(local time)  which is ideal for Montserrat to target.

It said that Premier Romeo will also engage in one-to-one meetings with key cruise line officials, during which the proposed port development on the volcano ravaged British Overseas Territory will be a major focus, as well as promoting Montserrat’s unique shore excursions.

The statement said that the Tourism Division will be sharing a booth with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and that the “contingent will have the opportunity to interface with many cruise executives, suppliers and tour operators”.