The Ministry of Tourism had meetings with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the cruise lines on 17th and 18th January 2013.

Representatives from the Cayman Islands Government included Minister Cline Glidden, Minister Dwayne Seymour, and Chief Officer Stran Bodden.  Minister Seymour attended the meetings in order to illustrate Cabinet wide support during the discussions.

Topics discussed at the meeting on 17th January with the FCCA included the cruise berthing project, interim improvements to the cruise visitor experience, and the Cayman Turtle Farm Independent Assessment.  Minister Glidden outlined the procurement process now to be followed.  Persons had questions on clarity involving the process and these were addressed.

On the topic of interim improvements to the cruise visitor experience, the proposed interim improvements such as proper shading and benches at the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal were well received.  The further discussions on enhancements focused on the Spotts Landing location.  The sentiment expressed by the FCCA is that the Spotts Landing location requires improvements.  However, it was unanimous from all those present that these enhancements need not involve major works.  The enhancements discussed were some shading, bathroom facilities, provision of a safe walkway for cruise visitors, and minor enhancements to the tender pier to ensure the safety of cruise visitors.

Moving on to the Cayman Turtle Farm Independent Assessment report, the Ministry of Tourism outlined the salient points that were included in the report.  These were well received by all those present at the meeting.  The Ministry of Tourism also gave the commitment that once Cabinet had sight of the report that it would be released to the FCCA, as Ministry partners, and the general public.

On 18th January, the Ministry held meetings with cruise industry partners in order to continue open communication between the Ministry of Tourism and industry partners, and to understand any concerns of the industry.  The main issue discussed with industry partners was that of a cruise berthing facility in Grand Cayman.  All industry partners were supportive of having a berthing facility.  Industry partners also expressed an interest in the cruise berthing facility, even with mentioning the possibility of being involved in the berthing project.

Tourism Minister Hon. Cline Glidden stated that he was very pleased with how his first meeting with the FCCA, as Minister of Tourism, had been received. Minister Glidden added that his Ministry will continue the open communication with the FCCA, and cruise industry partners. The Ministry of Tourism will also keep the public up to date on further discussions and meetings with the cruise industry.