Thursday, March 27, 2025
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has revealed the extension of its strategic development agreement with the British Virgin Islands.
This customized ‘Presidential Partner’ deal enhances the collaboration established in 2023, aiming to leverage record-breaking years for both the cruise industry and the destination.
The British Virgin Islands has renewed its agreement to boost the economic advantages of cruise tourism, as highlighted in the Business Research & Economic Advisors report, Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies. During the 2023/2024 cruise season, the industry generated $85.7 million in direct spending and supported 1,666 jobs, contributing $18.3 million in wages.
Both the British Virgin Islands and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) are keen to build on recent milestones, including a forecast of 34.7 million cruise passengers in 2024 and a significant surge in tourist arrivals to the destination, which are expected to reach 1,092,139 in 2024. This marks a 9.8% increase from 2023 and reflects growth in all visitor categories, with 768,293 Cruise Ship Visitors (a 6.8% rise), 305,876 Overnight Visitors (a 16.7% increase), and 17,970 Day Trippers (a remarkable 35.1% jump).
Under the renewed agreement, FCCA will continue to support the British Virgin Islands government in improving its offerings and increasing cruise calls, while also introducing new experiences to cruise lines. Collaboration with the local private sector will further maximize available opportunities.
The agreement also makes use of FCCA’s cruise executive committees, including sub-committees focusing on employment and purchasing, for site visits and meetings aimed at advancing the objectives of the British Virgin Islands.
Additionally, the BVI gains access to FCCA’s Executive Committee, which includes top-level executives from FCCA Member Lines, to assist with the implementation of the agreement’s goals and the destination’s objectives.
Key aspects of the partnership include efforts to convert cruise passengers into overnight visitors, promote summer cruising, engage travel agents, stimulate consumer demand, and conduct a service needs assessment to identify the destination’s strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
