Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie is leading a delegation to the Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 Conference in Miami as Government seeks to maintain and improve the number of ships calling at the Territory’s ports during the peak season.

The delegation is comprised of Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye Rymer and Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles, along with other local representatives from within the Tourism/Ports sectors.

Premier Fahie said the cruise industry continues to grow and the Virgin Islands must maintain its relevance for it to benefit from the rising opportunities.

Premier Fahie said, “Tourism has always contributed significantly to the lifeblood of our economy here in the Virgin Islands. The Government and the people are heavily invested in tourism, significantly so in cruise tourism. Our livelihoods depend on my Government’s continued ability to engage and partner with these industries.”

Honourable Fahie said, “Most senior cruise industry stakeholder and Government executives are in attendance working to foster improved mutually beneficial relationships. This is especially important as we seek to improve the value of our tourism economy in our local market and in our efforts to rebalance and diversify our economy.”

The Premier stated that it is his intention to develop plans for long term business and seek advice and co-operation in improving the Territory’s tourism products; diversifying its offerings; and achieving greater financial yield and economic dispersion from the industry.

The Seatrade Cruise Global is the leading international exhibition and conference serving the cruise industry which brings together buyers and suppliers for a week of networking, sourcing, innovation and education.

Each year, Seatrade Cruise Global draws more than 11,000 registered attendees, over 700 exhibiting companies from 113 countries and more than 300 international journalists to become the epicenter of the cruise industry.

Attached

1. Official image of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie
2. Official logo of Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 Conference.