Top Cruise Leaders Huddle in Havana
On November 28th and 29th, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) organized a Cruise Industry Symposium in Havana at the Iberostar Hotel Central Park. The Symposium focused on operational, infrastructure and other issues related to the industry.
In addition to CLIA and FCCA leaders, the Symposium included global cruise line executives, government authorities, and participants from local businesses. Government authorities included the Ministers of Tourism and Foreign Investment, Manuel Marrero Cruz, and Rodrigo Malmierca, respectively.
The Symposium participants reviewed best practices in the areas of cruise ship operations, including safety, security, and the environment.
Cuba has experienced strong growth in visitors by cruise ship from the United States since May 2016 under permissible categories of travel. It is projected that in 2017 more than 380,000 cruise ship passengers will have visited Cuba from Europe, the United States and other countries.
The natural beauties of the country, its extensive historical and cultural offerings and the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants, in a safe and healthy environment, have made Cuba an important and attractive place as a cruise destination.
At the end of the event, participants agreed on the need to continue to cooperate on issues that will enhance cruise passenger experiences.
