The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will host its 21st annual conference and trade show in St. Maarten in September/October (an exact date has not yet been announced).
On April 16, 2013, Michele Paige, president of the FCCA and Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, minister of tourism & economic affairs, attended a kick-off meeting at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility in St. Maarten.
Minister Pantophlet and Mark Mingo, CEO of the St. Maarten Harbour Group, provided an update to a four-member delegation from the FCCA, headed by its Paige.
St. Maarten last hosted the FCCA conference and trade show in 2004. Noted Mingo, “We are looking forward to another successful event where the country can be showcased to cruise executives.”
The Steering Committee members are the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, the St. Maarten Harbour Group, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Princess Juliana International Airport, and Branding and Marketing Destination.
Pictured (left to right): Edward Dest, interim director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau; Mark Mingo, CEO of Port of St. Maarten; Michele Paige, FCCA President; and Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs.
