CruiseTourism Good, however...
Cayman is experiencing an overall increasein the number of cruise passengers visiting but with the boomcomes a concern by the business community of how to handle thisexpanding area of the tourist market.
This was the major point of discussion whenthe Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce met the Florida CaribbeanCruise Association, an umbrella organization for cruise shipsplying the region, on 19 July to strengthen communication anddiscuss issues affecting the industry.
"This growth, while welcomed by mostmerchants, has presented some serious challenges for our citizensand our Government. This open forum is intended to address manyof the concerns and seeks to gather the views of the Chamber membersand the FCCA on the best approach to resolving these issues forthe way forward," Chamber President Mr Burns Conolly toldthe meeting.
Among the challenges discussed at this meetingwhich was attended by more than 25 persons with cruise tourismrelated businesses in Cayman, were needs to improve landing facilitiesat the pier; for more diverse onshore excursions for passengers;to better monitor spending habits of passengers while in GrandCayman through the use of surveys; to address safety concernsrelating to the physically challenged and vehicular traffic atthe North and South terminals.
Catering to the physically challenged isof primary importance because the cruise administrators expectto attract a higher number of such persons along with internationalclients and families.
Miinister of Tourism, Hon Mr McKeeva Bush,OBE, JP, told the meeting that since December last year he wasin discussion with the FCCA on many issues that have an impacton future development of the cruise industry in Cayman.
FCCA President Ms Michele Paige told thelocal business people that cruise passengers to Cayman spend anaverage US$79.42 but the overall Caribbean average is US$103.00.The leading areas on which passengers spend when here are sightseeing,jewelry and souvenirs.
Although the amount of money spent per passengerhere is below the regional average, Mr Conolly said: "Thelocal business community supports the continued development ofthe cruise industry in the Cayman Islands. Cruise ship visitorsspend millions of dollars each year in the local economy and thenumber of passengers continues to set records year after year".
Forum deliberations are being reviewed witha view to establishing a task force of industry partners to addresskey issues.