PRESS ROOM
Latest News from Antigua and Barbuda
PUERTO RICO BACK
ON STREAM
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TO
BENEFIT
Following average annual growth in
cruise ship passengers to Puerto Rico of less than 2% since 2001,
the FCCA reached an agreement with port officials from Puerto
Rico during Seatrade, that will re-institute San Juan as a major
home port and port of call with significant benefits for Antigua
and Barbuda and other Eastern Caribbean cruising destinations.
The cruise lines’ business models shifted significantly following 9/11 to address
potential passengers’ fear of flying. In addition, high cruise ship fees and
tariffs set in San Juan resulted in a major dispute with the FCCA, which further
encouraged the drive/cruise sector to emerge as the leading sector, with Miami
and over 30 other mainland ports courting the drive, park and cruise visitor.
The impact on San Juan included significant reductions in cruise ship calls
particularly during the summer months when they received considerably reduced
calls from even their major partner lines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises,
despite sizeable investments by these lines in onshore infrastructure. This
has had a similarly detrimental effect on the Eastern Caribbean summer business
since cruise lines have been departing from Miami to the Western Caribbean
reaching only as far as St. Maarten.
Recognising the damaging impact on its economy, Puerto Rico’s legislature had
finally decided to fight for an increase in its share of business by striking
a deal with FCCA member cruise lines. Puerto Rico’s new governor, Acevedo Vila,
together with PR Tourism and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, announced
a new $10.7M incentives package to attract cruise ships. With seven piers and
the capacity to dock 12 cruise ships simultaneously, Puerto Rico is seeking
to maximise its infrastructural and geographical advantages.
The deal, devised by the new Government elected November 2004, is expected
to considerably boost summer business to the Eastern Caribbean which is relying
heavily on the re-emergence of Puerto Rico as a hub port.
Minister Lovell, Minister of Tourism, noted the opportunities of this new development
to Antigua and Barbuda. “We are very encouraged by this announcement and have
been working closely with the FCCA to ensure that our port is integral in the
development of new itineraries out of Puerto Rico. We have approached our discussions
with cruise lines as partners to ensure that the cruise lines, the destination
and ultimately the passengers achieve a positive result through the negotiation
of agreements of benefit to all parties.” Mr. Lovell continued “We have been
anticipating this development following careful analysis of trends in the industry
and are positioned to increase year round business from Puerto Rico, as well
as benefiting from the new ten day cruises departing from New York and seven
day Florida itineraries.”
Antigua and Barbuda hosted 375 cruise ships in 2004, an increase of 26% over
2003.
30th March, 2005
Digital Photo compliments Ministry
of Tourism
1. Discussions at the Antigua and Barbuda booth at Seatrade 2005 (L-R: Hon.
Harold Lovell- Minister of Tourism; Cameron Fraser- Managing Director, Antigua
Pier Group; Horace Horde-Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines)
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