Cruise

The Caribbean Is Open For Business

The Caribbean is open for business and several tourism organizations have teamed up to get the word out with a $1-million marketing campaign and new website – CaribbeanIsOpen.com, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association representing the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean, has launched a multifaceted campaign – along with support from partners like CLIA – to show that the majority of Caribbean destinations are operating normally, unhindered by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

And, recovery in destinations that were hit is well underway or complete.

“We have been working tirelessly toward hurricane relief efforts and continue to support rebuilding efforts. These are not just our partners, but our family,” said Michele Paige, president, FCCA, during a recent conference call with trade media. “The vast majority of the Caribbean [an area that encompasses a million square miles] was unaffected, but the public perception is that the entire region was affected and it is not a good time to go to the Caribbean. This could not be further from the truth – most of the Caribbean was unaffected and it’s business as usual.”

Arnold Donald, chair, CLIA, and CEO, Carnival Corporation, agreed, saying it’s a great time to visit the Caribbean.

“Most areas were untouched, and recovery is happening very, very quickly in those areas that were affected. I expect every destination to be up and running in the coming weeks,” he said. “There is no better way to support the Caribbean than by going to the Caribbean.”

Royal Caribbean president Adam Goldstein, who is also chair of the FCCA, noted that of the 50 ports of call that Royal Caribbean calls on, only four were significantly impacted – St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan and St. Maarten – and said these are quickly getting back to normal.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has set Nov. 10 as the date for its return to St. Thomas with Adventure of the Seas.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Canadian Travel Press.