As the Cayman Islands prepares to host the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference and Trade Show, the country is experiencing an incredible level of commitment and team work as government officials and agencies work side-by-side with private sector partners to finalise preparations.
This statement from the Department of Tourism refers to the 13th annual FCCA Conference, from 30 October to 3 November, which will attract over 1,000 guests, and is the largest such event ever hosted by the Cayman Islands.
‘The Department of Tourism is confident that the hospitality, excitement and natural beauty of the Islands will leave lasting impressions on those attending the conference, keeping the Cayman Islands on the map as a most desirable cruise destination,’ said the release.
To discuss the importance of the conference for cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands, the DoT sat down with Wil Pineau, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, and the co-chairman of the Fundraising Task Force for the Conference.
‘In his role as co-chairman of the Fundraising Task Force, it is Mr. Pineau’s responsibility to seek exceptional sponsorship packages and to effectively market the available packages to entice Caymanian business owners to get involved,’ said the release.
‘Mr. Pineau emphasised the need for everyone to understand the importance of the conference, and to realise that making a good impression on delegates at the conference will have an enduring positive impact on the destination for years to come.
‘As CEO of the CI Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pineau understands that to make a good impression, the Cayman Islands will have to invest a great deal into the conference. And this support must not be limited to the tourism sector. It is in the best interest of all sectors of the Cayman Islands’ economy to support tourism as the benefits of a strong and sustainable tourism industry will impact the entire country.’
Mr. Pineau explained, ‘You have to invest money in order to gain future business. It’s important to think of the positive, long-term rewards’.
The Task Force is seeking all levels of sponsorship, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Supporting level packages available, and outreach to different businesses in the community has commenced. The Fundraising Task Force has invited businesses to donate anything they are willing to give, from cash donations and products, to services and fuel for transportation at the event. There is no minimum requirement to sponsor and sponsors will all receive coverage in local media before and after the conference, as well as during the conference in FCCA materials.
Businesses that have already signed on as sponsors include: Department of Tourism, Port Authority, Boatswain’s Beach, Cayman Free Press, Island Companies, Camana Bay, Don Foster’s Dive, The Image Company, The Camera Store, Tortuga Rum Company, Kirk Sea Tours, Atlantis Submarines, Webster’s Tours, Tropicana Tours, Majestic Tours, Reid Premier Tours, Reliable Transport, Land & Sea Cooperative and Cayman Net News. Anyone interested in becoming an FCCA Conference sponsor should contact Wil Pineau directly at (345) 925-2323.
‘It’s important that we put on a world-class event,’ said Mr. Pineau. ‘Serving as a host to the FCCA Conference is a wonderful opportunity for the Cayman Islands to demonstrate to the FCCA cruise executives and other delegates that our country offers a world class cruise product – our people, natural environment and infrastructure. I believe the Cayman Islands will shine in the minds and hearts of all the people who visit us, and I look forward to offering my services to make this year’s FCCA Conference the best ever.’
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