Local businesses are invited to participate in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s 19th Annual Cruise Conference and Trade Show Oct. 1 to 5 in Curacao. The annual conference is the leading event for the Caribbean cruise industry, providing a forum for exchanging information and developing business relationships with cruise line decision makers, the Tourism Department said in a press release issued Friday.

“In this economically challenging time, the DOT is committed to increasing the business opportunities for local companies working with the cruise lines,” Tourism Commission Beverly Nicholson Doty said in the press release. “By partnering with local businesses, we can most effectively showcase the broad range of tourism offerings that make the USVI a marquis destination for the cruise lines, as well as introduce new activities, products and services that help the USVI maintain its status as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.”

Each year, the Tourism Department participates in the conference and trade show. However, for the second consecutive year, the department has reserved a larger space at the show to maximize the exposure of the Virgin Islands and allow participation by partners from the private sector.

In order to make it financially feasible for local businesses to attend the event, the Tourism Department will pay for a substantial portion of the registration fee for companies that register at the Tourism Department booth.

Instead of paying $2,750 for a standard 10-by-10 foot booth, those who register with the Tourism Department will pay only $550. This represents a savings of 80 percent. At this reduced rate, one delegate from each business may exhibit at the trade show as well as attend conference seminars and social networking events. The participating business will be responsible for the cost of travel and lodging.

Tour operators, attractions and suppliers of locally made products and services with appeal to the cruise industry are encouraged to contact the Tourism Department before Aug. 31. As space is limited, and in the interest of representing the diversity of tourism offerings, not all requests for participation may be granted.

For detailed information about the 19th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, including the conference agenda, list of workshops, and other activities, visit www.f-cca.com, or call the Tourism Department at 774-8784.