In just over a week, Tobago will play host to the leaders of the European Cruise industry when it welcomes the Seatrade Caribbean Cruise forum.
The forum will be hosted by the Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago House of Assembly from the 13-14 May 2015, at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. The forum will showcase the Caribbean and provide attending cruise line executives with an in-depth understanding and intimate knowledge of the region.
The Caribbean has consistently been a favoured choice for cruising. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Caribbean continues to rank as the dominant cruise destination choice; in 2002, 42% of those who cruised chose to do so in the Caribbean (CLIA) and projected figures for 2015 sees the region holding 35% of the Global capacity share. With its vast array of ports of call and year-round mild climate, the region has established itself as a popular destination, made for cruising.
The forum will see a series of high-level discussions, with a strong focus on the scope for development and opportunities within the Caribbean. Home-port and infrastructure, new itineraries and Shorex development will be key areas of discussion for those attending the forum.
Confirmed speakers from the European Cruise Lines include Chris Coates Commercial Director, Cruise & Maritime Voyages; Mike Deegan Fleet Director, Noble Caledonia; Claudius DocekalDirector, Deployment, Destinations & Charter Sales, Azamara Club Cruises; Christopher Doval, Senior Port Operations Financial Analyst, Worldwide Port Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd; Hans Hesselberg Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, MSC Cruises; James Langley Marine Superintendent, Saga Cruises; Michael Pawlus Director of Strategic Itinerary Planning & Scheduling, Silversea Cruises Ltd and Steven Young Director of Port Services & Government Affairs, Carnival UK.
In addition there are a number of key industry leaders who will also be speaking at the conference.
Tobago has witnessed a 200 percent growth in its cruise sector in the 2014/2015 period, fuelled mainly by jump in calls from European Cruise Liners.
The Seatrade Caribbean Cruise Forum will exclusively provide ports and tourism authorities the opportunity to meet cruise line executives via pre-arranged, one to one meetings.
