As the Cayman Islands prepares to host the 13th annual FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference and Trade Show, countless individuals are working behind the scenes to ensure the conference is a complete success.
Industry experts like Kirk Hendriks, Co-Chair of the Tours Task Force, have one common objective, says a press release from the Department of Tourism. This is ‘to showcase the Cayman Islands as the unparalleled cruise destination that it is’ by developing exciting tours and sharing experiences unique to the Cayman Islands with the 100 cruise executives and more than 900 delegates from around the world who will be attending the conference.
Kirk Hendriks founded Kirk Sea Tours (sea and shore excursions) 16 years ago with little more than an old glass bottom boat and a dream. Today he still owns and operates the company bearing his name, offering comprehensive and fun island tours, glass bottom boat trips, deep sea fishing excursions, jaunts to Stingray City, and even snuba adventures, said the press release. ‘His passion is evident in his commitment to the destination, and also in the disclaimer on Kirk’s Sea Tours website, which reads: ‘We take no responsibility for lost productivity while researching our beautiful islands’.’
In June of 1991, armed with only a cardboard sign and a boat worth a mere $1,500, Kirk went door to door looking for anyone willing to do business with him. Because of his persistence and dedication, Matt Sams of Carnival Cruises eventually agreed, and the rest is, as they say ‘history’, says the press release.
‘Devoutly religious, he attributes his fruitful opportunities to his faith, but others realize his innately savvy business skills also factor into the equation. Kirk maintains that with a good product, qualified staff, and discipline, success will follow. He brings these characteristics with him into his integral role as Co-Chair of the Tours Task Force.
‘Soft-spoken and kind, yet an astute businessman, Kirk has proven he knows what he needs to do to be successful, making him a clear choice to be a leader at the conference.’
The Tours Task Force is in charge of four major initiatives to aid in the success of the FCCA Conference. These include managing tours to landmark venues such as Boatswain’s Beach and Pedro St. James Castle; scheduling and overseeing the transportation to ensure comfort and safety for every conference guest who participates in a tour; catering and serving healthy Caymanian dishes for guests during their tour; and aptly preparing and executing the authentic Cayman excursions for visitors.
As an FCCA Conference veteran, Kirk has helped to set clear and achievable goals for his task force. ‘This task force was put together to display, in an organized fashion, everything we have available for cruise tourists in Cayman,’ Kirk explained.
Joining him on the Tours Task Force is Bud Johnson, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines, and Annick Jackman and Shomari Scott, both from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. The team is also incorporating the island’s ‘Go East’ initiative in to its tours to showcase the picturesque Eastern districts of Grand Cayman, and to highlight the as yet untapped opportunities for entertaining future cruise guests.
‘Collectively, we have a vast understanding of the cruise industry, and are putting together relevant tours that will, ideally, leave a lasting impression of the Cayman Islands,’ Kirk said. ‘We are all giving 100 per cent towards the conference to make sure it is a great success.’
Sponsors of the FCCA Conference include: Department of Tourism, Port Authority, Boatswain’s Beach, Cayman Free Press, Island Companies, Camana Bay, The Image Company, The Camera Store, Tortuga Rum Company, Don Foster’s Dive, Kirk Freeport, Caribbean Marine Services, Bodden Shipping, Margaritaville, Kirk Sea Tours, Cayman National Corporation, Atlantis Submarines, CUC, Blackbeard’s Trading Company, The Tour Company, Scotiabank, Webster’s Tours, Tropicana Tours, Majestic Tours, Reid Premier Tours, Reliable Transport, Land & Sea Cooperative, Cayman Net News and Radio Cayman. Anyone interested in becoming an FCCA Conference sponsor should contact Wil Pineau directly at (345) 925-2323.
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