St. Maarten Renews Strategic Agreement With Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

The government of St. Maarten renewed a strategic agreement with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), signing on with FCCA as a “Presidential Partner,” that will focus on the destination’s “specific goals,” said officials in a statement.

St. Maarten is one of only three destinations to hold membership in FCCA’s capped Presidential Partner program, officials said. FCCA’s member lines represent more than 90 percent of global cruise capacity.

The program provides St. Maarten with employment opportunities for locals, with FCCA’s assistance in creating and implementing a destination employment strategy and destination site inspections for port operations and shore excursion executives, said Alexander Gumbs, Port St. Maarten’s CEO.

“As we move towards the future, we are excited to partner with FCCA and further develop the business and destination through various initiatives,” he said.

Other Presidential Partner benefits include priority in training opportunities and “data and insight” regarding economic impact, daily spending, calls and passenger volume,” Gumbs said.

The agreement was signed earlier this month by Gumbs and Arthur L. Lambriex, St. Maarten’s minister of tourism, economic affairs, transport and telecommunications, while aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.

Under the pact, FCCA will additionally “guide St. Maarten’s public sector on ways to enhance the product and increase cruise calls,” said officials.

FCCA will also “collaborate with the local private sector to create new experiences and maximize opportunities,” including the purchase of local goods and hiring St. Maarten citizens.

“St. Maarten has been a longtime partner of FCCA,” said Michele Paige, FCCA’s CEO, who cited the destination for overcoming past hurricanes to “helping the industry rebound from COVID-19 by hosting laid-up ships.”

Added Paige, “We are honored by St. Maarten’s continued belief in us and our ability to help the destination and its citizens benefit from cruise tourism.”