Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enter into exclusive negotiations regarding the management, development and operation of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cruise Port (SVG Cruise Port).
Under the MOU, the parties intend to negotiate and execute a concession agreement under which GPH would manage the cruise port on behalf of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “We are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to have the opportunity to explore a long-term partnership in support of the country’s cruise tourism development.”
Mike Maura, Jr., Regional Director, GPH Americas, said: “This MOU reflects our continued strategy of partnering with governments in high-potential cruise destinations where our global reach, operational expertise and industry partnerships can help unlock long-term growth.”
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is well positioned within the Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary, and we believe that with the right investment, modernized port infrastructure and operations, an environmentally responsible approach and a destination-focused management strategy, the port can become an even more attractive call for cruise lines and guests,” added Maura.
GPH said in a press release that the port will remain under Government ownership, with GPH bringing its global cruise port management expertise, operational capabilities and cruise line relationships to support the destination’s continued development.
The SVG Cruise Port currently welcomes over 200,000 passengers annually and is considered to have significant growth potential.
Subject to the execution of definitive agreements and the award of the concession rights, GPH plans to implement a two-phase investment program designed to modernize the port’s infrastructure and operations, expand berthing capacity, serve larger cruise vessels and enhance the passenger experience.
The program, according to GPH, is intended to help position the country’s cruise tourism industry for the future, thus:
- Supporting sustainable growth
- Improving the destination’s competitiveness within the Southern Caribbean cruise market, and
- Ensuring that future development is guided by environmental sustainability.
GPH added that it also intends to support the development of shore excursion opportunities in collaboration with the Government and local stakeholders.
