Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
POINTE BLANCHE--The 21st Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show was opened officially yesterday, as the conference started to pick up steam.
The previous day had seen the various exhibitors and delegates arrive and set up shop, some of them already coveted one-on-one professional meetings. The second day of the conference was much busier, with a wide array of exhibitors showcasing their products, learning about others, networking and attending special events.
The wide variety of exhibitors included many tourism boards and port authorities, plus a wide variety of businesses that have strong albeit indirect links to tourism such as locally-made food products, a recycling company and restaurant supplies.
Tourism Minister Ted Richardson, members of his Cabinet and French St. Martin Tourist Office President Jeanne Vanterpool could be seen touring the exhibitions with cruise executives and FCCA President Michele Paige, who seemed pleased with what she saw as she chatted with exhibitors and danced to steel pan music.
One highlight of the day was the panel discussion on Port and Terminal Development, moderated by Paige, which featured brief talks by Member of Parliament, United People's (UP) party leader and former Commissioner of Tourism Theo Heyliger, St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo and cruise industry experts Michael Ronan, Terry Thornton and Giora Israel.
The local and cruise representatives reflected on their relationship and the development of the harbour and destination, mostly Philipsburg. Destination development was touched on in terms of passenger expenditure, arrivals and infrastructural developments, and Heyliger was acknowledged for his role in some developments as former Tourism Commissioner.
Thornton in particular said St. Maarten had great water- and land-based tours, but importantly, there was a lot to do and experience for passengers who did not go on organised tours. "Guests are very diverse, with different needs. Satisfying some is not good enough."
Mingo touched on innovation and his change of direction as CEO of a more commercially-driven harbour.
The night ended with an outdoor dinner and a variety of entertainment, including live music, dancers and living statues.
