BVI Cruise Pier Development Highlighted in Miami

The British Virgin Islands’ new cruise pier development was highlighted as a new and exciting feature for the BVI’s cruise industry at the Cruise Shipping Miami exhibition and conference held last week.

This year marked the event’s 30th anniversary. Cruise Shipping Miami attracts key industry players including cruise line owners and operators, shipping agents, marine engineers, travel agents and other industry executives. According to statistics found on Cruise Shipping Miami’s website, last year’s event attracted 11,000 attendees and over 900 exhibitors from 123 countries participated.

Vanterpool led the delegation which included the Ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Anthony McMaster, Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mr. Claude O. Skelton Cline, Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission Mr. Dameon Percival, Marketing Manager with the BVI Tourist Board Mrs. Natasha Chalwell and other Government representatives.

Commenting on the BVI Ports Authority’s participation this year, minister for communications and works Mark Vanterpool said, “We were excited to spread the word about the BVI’s cruise industry. Cruise Shipping Miami is the ideal place to promote the BVI as a premier cruise destination.”

The minister said it is especially ideal considering the cruise pier expansion project, to be completed next year.

“We kept telling the cruise line executives and others that the BVI is open for business; that we have this new development coming on stream that cruise passengers are sure to love and encouraged them to include the BVI in their itineraries,” said Vanterpool.

In promoting the BVI cruise industry, the BVIPA and BVI Tourist Board collaborated for the exhibition booth with an ‘island theme’ that featured a hammock and steel pan player. Various promotional materials about the BVI and the new cruise pier development were also on display.

The BIV government’s representation at Cruise Shipping Miami, which was held from March 10 to 13, is in line with promoting the BVI’s new cruise pier development coming on stream in summer 2015. The development involves the lengthening, widening and strengthening of the cruise pier, along with landside development to accommodate commercial, retail, entertainment and green spaces.

The cruise pier development promises a unique and modern cruise pier facility that is environmentally compatible and sustainable, that delivers a memorable and world-class experience.