MIAMI, FL – Belize has described as successful talks held with top executives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) with both parties reiterating their “ unwavering commitment to the cruise sector in Belize”.
Prime Minister John Briceno addressing cruise line executives in Miami over the last weekend (GBPO Photo)Prime Minister John Briceño led the delegation that included Tourism and Diaspora Relations Minister Anthony Mahler, as well as Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration and officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board.
“It is in our country’s best interest to maintain and continue to nurture that critical linkage with all cruise operators. We remain committed to identifying those developments and solutions for the continued growth of cruise tourism, and Belize as a key destination,” Briceño said following the discussions, noting that the cruise industry has become a critical component of Belize’s tourism sector.
A government statement issued following the weekend talks said that the FCCA executives expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that it marked the first occasion in which a Prime Minister and a high-level delegation engaged with cruise lines in a dedicated forum of this nature.
“The primary focus of the meeting was to address crucial aspects related to the future development of cruise tourism in Belize and to emphasize the sustainable approach to such development,” the statement said, adding” the government of Belize and cruise line executives reiterated their unwavering commitment to the cruise sector in Belize”.
It said the cruise lines also emphasized the pressing need for a berthing facility, to which the government responded with a sincere commitment to support the construction of a port that aligns with industry requirements and receives the necessary environmental clearance.
The statement said that each cruise line represented at the meeting expressed their dedication to collaborating more closely with Belize’s government and private sector.
“To enhance communication, town hall meetings will be arranged with stakeholders, while training and infrastructure development will play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall visitor experience”.
The statement quoted the FCCA chief executive officer, Michele Paige, as saying “this meeting is another step in a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Belize, and I look forward to finding more ways for the destination and people to benefit from the immense potential that cruise tourism offers”.
MSC Cruises USA’s chairman, Rick Sasso, noted that “strong partners create remarkable results so together we can really make Belize a one-of-a-kind destination.
“MSC Cruises is excited about the future potential of Belize and a cruise tourism focus is worthy of the time and investment we will all contribute. The top-down government engagement is very noticeable and well respected”.
Additionally, Marie McKenzie, Carnival Corporation’s Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs, said “we greatly value our relationship with the people and leaders of Belize, and we’re committed to working together to promote sustainable tourism, including the jobs and businesses it supports:.
The Belize government and Norwegian Cruise Line also signed an amendment to the agreement between the government of Belize and Belize Island Holding Limited for the Harvest Caye Port in southern Belize.
The statement said this amendment promotes equitable benefits for the country and provides a framework for future growth at this port and complementarity with other ports in the country.
