(St. George’s, Grenada) 8th March, 2017— The Grenada Tourism Authority is optimistic about upcoming networking meetings as it seeks to secure further opportunities for increased cruise passenger arrivals. The first stop is the US Cruise Business Negotiation Meetings in Miami from 9th to 10th March, 2017. A delegation led by GTA Chief Executive Officer Patricia Maher and including Huggins and the Grenada Ports Authority is expected to meet with cruise executives of major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd. and Carnival Corporation. These meetings will provide the GTA with direct networking as Grenada’s destination offerings are presented with new attractions as added incentives.

Following the US Business Meeting, the delegation will move onto Seatrade Cruise Global at Fort Lauderdale, USA from 13th to 17th March. Minister of Tourism Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen M.P. will join the delegation for the week to add her weight to the negotiations.  As one of the major annual meetings in the cruise industry, Seatrade provides a unique opportunity for Grenada to network with senior cruise executives and other industry players. The main aim of this event is to continue business negotiations to increase winter cruise business for the 2017/ 2018; 2018/ 2019 & 2019/ 2020 seasons. Focus will also be placed on continuing negotiations for calls during the summer off-peak periods from May to September 2017 – 2019. Furthermore, Seatrade offers the opportunity to review operational and customer service feedback to improve destination management.

For the 2016-2017 season, Grenada has welcomed five inaugural calls with one (1) more expected by April,2017.