Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, delivered opening remarks at the workshop, themed 'Homeporting: The Gateway to the Caribbean', highlighting a topic of growing significance to maritime connectivity and regional tourism. Photo: BVIPA

From left: Dean B. Fahie, Acting Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority; Annette Collins, Deputy Chairperson; and Dion A. Stoutt, Chairperson of the BVIPA Board at the 32nd Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show, held in Puerto Rico from October 12-16, 2026. Photo: BVIPA

Part of the Virgin Islands' delegation at the 32nd Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show, held in Puerto Rico from October 12-16, 2026. Photo: BVIPA

The conference brought together government leaders, port authorities, cruise executives and tourism businesses to examine emerging industry priorities, strengthen regional relationships and explore opportunities for Caribbean destinations. Through ministerial discussions, workshops, trade show activities and one-on-one meetings, the event provided an important platform for connecting destinations with cruise industry decision-makers.

Opening remarks by Hon Kye M. Rymer

Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, delivered opening remarks at the workshop, themed “Homeporting: The Gateway to the Caribbean”, highlighting a topic of growing significance to maritime connectivity and regional tourism. Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, provided a Territory update during ministerial discussions focused on Caribbean destinations.

According to a press release from the BVIPA, the VI delegation included Dion A. Stoutt, Chairperson of the Board; Annette Collins, Deputy Chairperson; Dean B. Fahie, Acting Managing Director; and Alicia Green, Marketing Manager. The wider VI delegation included Elvia Smith-Maduro, Permanent Secretary, Sharlene Smith, Assistant Secretary (MCW), Sasha D.A. Flax, Assistant Secretary (MTCSD), Dr Cassander P. Titley-O'Neal, Director of National Parks Trust, Vance M. Lewis, CEO of Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, and representatives from the Romasco, Island Shipping and That’s the Spirit, reflecting the value of public-private collaboration in the cruise sector.

Engagements

Across the conference, representatives engaged cruise industry partners in discussions on port developments, shore experiences, itinerary planning and the potential for additional cruise calls. Scheduled engagements included representatives of Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Princess Cruises and Carnival Corporation, among other industry stakeholders.

Importantly, the VI secured follow-up actions focused on training opportunities for local vendors and tour operators, exploring opportunities to attract more cruise calls, and further engagement with FCCA to help ensure that the Territory remains a favoured port for cruise business in the Caribbean.

'More than maintaining industry relationships'

BVIPA Chairperson Dion A. Stoutt said: “Our participation at FCCA is about more than maintaining industry relationships. It is about ensuring that the British Virgin Islands remains part of the conversations that influence cruise deployment, port development and destination growth. Through our continued engagement with cruise line executives and our local tourism partners, we are positioning the Territory to capitalise on opportunities that deliver meaningful benefits to our economy and communities.”

According to the press release, as a longstanding FCCA Presidential Partner, the BVI Ports Authority values the Association’s continued commitment to working with the Territory. BVIPA said it will build on the conference engagements through coordinated follow-up with government, industry partners and local tourism stakeholders, with particular emphasis on enhancing visitor experiences and creating opportunities for VI businesses.

The discussions further reinforced the need to align investments in port infrastructure with high-quality shore experiences and the operational needs of cruise lines. Strengthening the readiness of local service providers and maintaining close communication with itinerary planners will be central to the next phase of engagement. These priorities aim to ensure cruise tourism continues to deliver value beyond the port, including for entrepreneurs, attractions and communities throughout the Territory.

Through these efforts, BVIPA said it remains focused on strengthening the Territory’s cruise tourism offering while supporting sustainable maritime and economic development.