On the Trip, the Premier was accompanied by Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rhymer (R5), and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Sheeren D Flax-Charles (AL), as well as representatives from the BVI Tourist Board and other key industries. Photo: Facebook

Photo of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie chaired meetings with major cruise lines at the Seatrade Global event in Miami. Photo: GIS

According to a public missive on the outcomes of the event held April 9 to 11, 2019, Premier Fahie who led the BVI delegation said it was crucial to attend this event to better understand the needs of the Territory’s cruise partners while nurturing a more beneficial partnership with them.

Productive Meetings 

“Equipped with this understanding, the BVI will be better positioned to enhance the tourism product, and take advantage of the vital training and career opportunities available for our people,” Premier Fahie said according to release.

The premier added, “I attended this cruise industry event with clear goals, and through our productive meetings and the willingness of our valued cruise partners, I’m pleased to say that I will be working closely with my team and the cruise lines to address pre-existing challenges that were highlighted during our meetings,” he added.

Mr Fahie further mentioned that the VI’s relevance and survival in this industry demands that continuous two-way communication is maintained with cruise partners, “My administration will ensure that these relationships are effectively managed to maximize the benefits garnered,” he said.

The premier emphasized that the BVI will continue to work diligently to maintain and advance its current position within the market, define and improve its tourism product, and leverage these attributes to provide opportunities for economic growth, with the people of the territory at the forefront.

Top Delegation

On the Trip, the Premier was accompanied by Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Hon Kye M. Rhymer (R5), and Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Sheeren D Flax-Charles (AL), as well as representatives from the BVI Tourist Board and other key industries.

The release notes that the Premier chaired fruitful meetings with six of the major cruise lines, executives of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as well as other tourism stakeholders.

At the cruise trade show, meetings were with executives from Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages.