Nov. 24, 2004 – The head of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association rang in to a radio talk show Thursday to challenge the people of St. Croix to distinguish themselves in the eyes of cruise ship passengers.
"What you need is a hook," Michele Paige, association president, said. "What is the story about St. Croix that is going to make people, when they look at that itinerary say, 'Yeah, I want to go to St. Croix.'"
Paige made her remarks Thursday morning to WVWI Radio One talk show host Sam Topp. She said the cruise ship association will promote St. Croix as a destination to its passengers, but to do that it needs a brief, engaging concept of St. Croix that will intrigue voyagers and make them eager to land there.
Now that cruise ships are returning to St. Croix, Paige said, people on St. Croix should take advantage of the opportunity to build enthusiasm, showcase their uniqueness, welcome guests and send them away wanting more.
A number of concepts have been shown to the cruise ship industry, she said, but the private sector on St. Croix needs to take the extra step of developing those concepts so visitors can experience it for themselves.
"What's the story that St. Croix wants everybody to know about them? Tell us. Educate us. Make us excited about St. Croix so we can educate and make our passengers excited about St. Croix," Paige said.
She said the FCCA spends $400 million a year promoting the various destinations. She said St. Croix can be included in that marketing if the community can give the association something to work with.
The FCCA Web site says: "The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 14 member lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Mexican waters.
"Created in 1972, the FCCA's mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.
"By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA seeks to build cooperative relationships with Caribbean destinations and to develop productive bilateral partnerships with every sector: to create a win-win situation for all."
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
