The Martinique Tourism Authority is ratcheting up its efforts to attract more cruise business and is hosting a delegation of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) members September 17-19, 2012.  The group, led by FCCA President Michele Paige, includes high-ranking executives with such notable cruise lines as Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL).

“The opportunity for Martinique to grow its tourism receipts by further developing the cruise sector has never been greater,” said Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority.  “Recently completed capital improvement projects to the Malecon promenade and La Savane Park in Fort-de-France have reinvigorated the capital, while continued upgrades to the Pointe Simon wharf and Tourelles cruise terminal will soon enable the world’s largest cruise ships to dock here.  The timing simply could not be better for cruise lines wishing to spice-up their itineraries with the unique brand of French Caribbean vacation chic only available in Martinique.”

Ms. Paige noted: “Martinique has taken great strides to further enhance its destination product and infrastructure for cruise tourism.  This will be a prime opportunity to display the developments and investments to key decision makers in the cruise industry, and we are proud that the FCCA could provide this valuable tool to our important Platinum Member.”

Throughout their stay in Martinique, the FCCA delegation will undertake site inspections of Pointe Simon and the Tourelles cruise terminal, and tour the re-built Malecon promenade and historic La Savane Park, a 12-acre oasis of nature amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Fort-de-France.  Visits are also planned to several of Martinique’s leading tourist attractions, including Le Village de la Poterie and the Creole Village shopping area in Trois-Ilets. 

Special meetings will also be held enabling local government and private sector officials to share in-depth details on the latest developments in the Martinique tourism sector with the FCCA delegation. 

“Martinique has never been more open for cruise business,” Roy-Camille continued.  “We look forward to proving it to our FCCA cruise industry partners next week.”