Belize Is Muscling to Foster the Cruise Industry

Belize´s Minister of Tourism, Godfrey Smith, recently met with 8 delegates of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), in an effort to continue fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices and to seek its further growth and development.

The 8- member delegation of the FCCA comprises of representatives from Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and the President of the FCCA.

Also attending were Belize´s Director of Tourism, Tracy Panton, the Director of Product Development, Anthony Mahler, and Registrar of Hotels & Tourist Accommodation, Lloyd Enriquez

Issues discussed included looking at investment opportunities within Belize and how the policy affects the growth of tourism. Other matters discussed were the Cruise Ship Policy and the various management mechanisms in place to safeguard the product and improve the quality of service to their clients and visitors to Belize.

The FCCA is a trade organization composed of 14 Member Cruise Lines operating more than 90 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Mexican waters. Created in 1972, the FCCA´s mandate to provide a forum for discussion on legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.