Statement
Statement By Minister For Communications And Works
Honourable Kye M. Rymer
At The Twentieth Sitting Of The First Session Of
The Fifth House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands On
The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (Fcca) Annual Cruise Conference
FRIDAY 18th OCTOBER 2024
Madam Speaker, I rise to inform this Honourable House of my upcoming participation in the 30th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Tradeshow, which will be held on the 22nd – 25th October 2024 in St. Maarten. As the Minister responsible for Ports, I will be leading a delegation that includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Works, BVI Ports Authority, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, the BVI Tourist Board, and the National Parks Trust, as well as local cruise agents and tour operators.
This annual forum provides an invaluable opportunity for the Territory, allowing us to engage directly with cruise industry executives, decision-makers, and port and tourism leaders from across the region.
Madam Speaker, the cruise tourism sector is an essential pillar of the Virgin Islands’ economy. It generates significant revenue, supports local employment, and fuels various businesses across the Territory, from transport providers and tour operators to retail stores, restaurants, and beyond. Cruise tourism introduces our islands to many visitors, giving them a taste of what the BVI has to offer and often inspiring them to return for longer stays. As such, our involvement in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference is of the utmost importance, ensuring that the Territory remains competitive and continues to position itself as a marquee port in the Caribbean region.
Madam Speaker, we will have the unique opportunity to meet the cruise executives from the FCCA’s member lines at the conference. These discussions are vital for addressing key issues and trends within the industry and for fostering relationships that will strengthen our cruise tourism sector. I will have the honour of presenting an update on the BVI directly to the presidents and CEOs of the cruise lines in a closed forum. This will allow us to highlight our progress since last season, discuss potential areas for collaboration, and ensure that the BVI remains top-of-mind when decisions are being made about cruise itineraries and investments in the region.
Madam Speaker, our delegation from the BVI Ports Authority, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Ltd, and the BVI Tourist Board will hold one-on-one meetings with cruise executives, offering more in-depth discussions on enhancing the visitor experience in the BVI and exploring new growth opportunities. These conversations will allow us to delve into the specific needs and preferences of the various cruise brands that call to our shores, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our cruise visitors.
Madam Speaker, a key highlight of this conference will be the presentation of a preliminary study on the economic contribution of cruise tourism to the economies of the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands. This study, conducted by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA), will provide us with valuable insights into the economic impacts of passengers, crews, and cruise line spending. The data covers the 2023/2024 cruise season, with figures based on a twelve-month period beginning in May 2023 and ending in April 2024.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to share that the Virgin Islands welcomed 821,990 cruise passengers to our shores during this period. Of that total, an estimated 83%, or approximately 685,540 passengers, disembarked to explore the BVI. These passengers typically spend an average of four hours onshore, providing a significant economic boost to many local businesses. Furthermore, 30% of the crew members aboard these cruise ships also disembarked, contributing additional spending to our economy. Based on the preliminary BREA report, the combined expenditure of these passengers and crew generated a total of $85 million USD in revenue for the Territory.
The study further analyses the spending habits of both passengers and crew members, breaking down their expenditures into categories such as shopping, dining, and excursions. It also assesses the spending contributions made by the cruise lines themselves, including port fees and other related expenses. Madam Speaker, this information is crucial as it helps us better understand the full economic impact of cruise tourism and allows us to make informed decisions on maximising the benefits for our local economy.
Madam Speaker, I must emphasise that the cruise industry is evolving, and so, too, are the demographics of cruise visitors. According to the preliminary findings of the study, the average age of cruise passengers visiting the BVI has decreased from 58 years in 2018 to 51 years today. This shift mirrors broader trends within the cruise industry, which is increasingly attracting younger guests. This change highlights the importance of adapting our services and offerings to meet the preferences of this newer, more diverse group of travelers.
As we continue to host a variety of cruise lines— from family-focused brands like Disney Cruise Line to boutique luxury lines such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection— we must recognize that each has distinct passenger profiles and expectations.
Madam Speaker, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The needs and preferences of a Disney guest may differ significantly from those of a guest aboard an all-adult cruise such as Virgin, and our local businesses must be attuned to these differences to ensure that we provide memorable and satisfying experiences for all.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to note that the study also reveals encouraging findings regarding visitor satisfaction. Our ratings have improved in key areas, such as meeting guest expectations, our tour guides' knowledge and professionalism, and our residents' friendliness. This reflects positively on the many stakeholders contributing to the cruise guest experience.
However, there is still room for improvement. Our transportation sector, and this affects the deplorable road infrastructure, has declined in ratings since 2018. While the score remains relatively high, this trend is concerning. I strongly encourage our transportation providers to take advantage of the training programs available, as this will help elevate the overall quality of service, we offer to our cruise guests and visitors.
Another area of concern, Madam Speaker, is the likelihood of cruise visitors recommending the BVI as a destination. This score has declined, and it is a matter that requires our collective attention. If we are to maintain and grow our status as a marquee port in the Caribbean, we must continue to enhance our visitor experience. This includes offering a wider variety of services and experiences that cater to the diverse interests of our guests. By doing so, we can ensure that visitors enjoy their time in the BVI and are eager to recommend our islands to others and, most importantly, return themselves.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the cruise tourism sector is of critical importance to the economic well-being of the BVI. Our participation in the 30th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference is essential to ensuring that we continue to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. I look forward to representing the Territory at this important forum, and upon my return, I will share the outcomes of our engagements with this Honourable House. Together, we can continue to strengthen our cruise tourism sector and solidify the Territory’s reputation as a marquee port in the Caribbean.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
