FCCA officials praised U.S. Virgin Islands tourism recovery at St. Croix press conference

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association President Michele Paige said at a Government House press conference on St. Croix on October 11, 2018, that the U.S. Virgin Islands had become "the epitome of what a destination should do to rebuild" after the 2017 hurricanes.

Paige said the territory's daily passenger spending had risen to $165.50 from $150, an increase of nearly 10%, and said that translated to almost $650,000 in passenger cruise spending per vessel.

Paige said government officials had maintained timely communication with the FCCA and other partners after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 as part of efforts to restore tourism activity.

Carlos Torres de Navarra, chairman of the FCCA Operations Committee and vice president of commercial port operations at Carnival Cruise Line, said the planned introduction of water transportation in Charlotte Amalie would improve the visitor experience and economic impact.

The Government of the Virgin Islands invited FCCA officials to St. Croix as part of efforts to strengthen relations with cruise partners. Earlier on October 11, 2018, the delegation met with tour operators and other tourism stakeholders on St. Croix to discuss ways to make the island more attractive to cruise lines and passengers.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/fcca-congratulates-u-s-virgin-islands-on-rebuilding-its-tourism-product/