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TALKING POINTS FOR MINISTER OF TOURISM, HON. EDMUND BARTLETT TO ANNOUNCE THE NATIONAL CRUISE COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

The cruise industry has become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry around the world.  Cruise holidays have boomed with a dynamic 248% increase in the last seven years (ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015/2016). 

·        In Jamaica, cruise passenger Arrivals grew by 23.5% for the month of June, with 110,086 passengers from 25 cruise ship calls. 

·        I have appointed a National Cruise Council (NCC) which is mandated to guide and grow the local cruise economy in a steady and sustainable manner moving forward.

NCC ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Maintain a cohesive group of industry stakeholders that will advocate for the cruise business in Jamaica.

·        Monitor global cruise shipping trends and strategically safeguard relationships with cruise shipping lines and enhance the experience of the cruise ship passenger. 

·        Make recommendations that will result in Jamaica’s cruise shipping industry embracing principles of sustainable tourism for development.

·        Make recommendations for the improvement of the onshore experience of cruise passengers.

NCC MEMBERS

·        At this time I wish to introduce Mr.  Michael Belnavis, whom I have appointed as Chairman of the NCC. 

·        The other members are:

§  Harry Maragh – CEO, Lannaman and Morris (Shipping) Ltd.

§  Marilyn Burrowes – President, Dolphin Cove

§  Judy Schoenbein – Braemar Tours

§  John Byles – CEO, Chukka Caribbean

§  Michael Drakulich – Mystic Mountain Rain Forest/Mystic Ridge Hotel

§  Stephen Facey, Chairman & CEO, Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd.

§  William Tatham – Vice President, Port Authority of Jamaica

§  Verna Lugg – General Manager, Verna’s Creation

§  Lee Bailey – CEO, Caribbean Cruise and Shipping Tours

§  Denney Chanderam – Bijoux Jewelers Montego Bay

§  Jason Hall – Deputy Director of Tourism – Cruise, Events & Attractions,  Jamaica Tourist Board

§  Denton Edwards – Director of Tourism Relations, Ministry of Tourism

·        With the depth of experience and quality of expertise that we are so fortunate to have on this Council I have every confidence in the future of cruise tourism in Jamaica.

Thank you.

Speech Date: 
Wednesday, March 14, 2018