Martinique Makes Strong Pitch for More Cruise Business

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Martinique Tourism Authority is ratcheting up its efforts to attract more cruise business by hosting a delegation of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) members September 17-19, 2012.  The group will be led by FCCA President Michele Paige, and include high-ranking executives with such notable cruise lines as Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL).

"The opportunity for Martinique to grow its tourism receipts by further developing the cruise sector has never been greater," said Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority.  "Recently completed capital improvement projects to the Malecon promenade and La Savane Park in Fort-de-France have reinvigorated the capital, while continued upgrades to the Pointe Simon wharf and Tourelles cruise terminal will soon enable the world's largest cruise ships to dock here.  The timing simply could not be better for cruise lines wishing to spice-up their itineraries with the unique brand of French Caribbean vacation chic only available in Martinique."

Ms. Paige noted: "Martinique has taken great strides to further enhance its destination product and infrastructure for cruise tourism.  This will be a prime opportunity to display the developments and investments to key decision makers in the cruise industry, and we are proud that the FCCA could provide this valuable tool to our important Platinum Member."

Throughout their stay in Martinique, the FCCA delegation will undertake site inspections of Pointe Simon and the Tourelles cruise terminal, and tour the re-built Malecon promenade and historic La Savane Park, a 12-acre oasis of nature amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Fort-de-France.  Visits are also planned to several of Martinique's leading tourist attractions, including Le Village de la Poterie and the Creole Village shopping area in Trois-Ilets. 

Special meetings will also be held enabling local government and private sector officials to share in-depth details on the latest developments in the Martinique tourism sector with the FCCA delegation. 

"Martinique has never been more open for cruise business," Roy-Camille continued.  "We look forward to proving it to our FCCA cruise industry partners next week."

About FCCA (www.f-cca.com)

FCCA is a trade association composed of 14 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn. It was created in 1972 by the Member Lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters, in order to discuss and exchange views on issues relating to: legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

About Martinique (www.martinique.org)

The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aime Cesaire) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world.  It was named "Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining" in 2009 by Caribbean Travel + Life, and "Best Caribbean Destination" (2010) by About.com. The bay of Fort-de-France, the capital city, is among the most beautiful bays of the world. Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more.  Napoleon's bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. Majestic Mt. Pelee and The Pompeii of the Caribbean, St. Pierre, is found here.  The finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c'est magnifique!

SOURCE Martinique Tourism Authority