Minister Stuart Johnson receives the Crystal Cruise award from FCCA President Michele Paige.
COLE BAY--Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Stuart Johnson was recognised by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) for his efforts to aid the country’s post-Hurricane Irma recovery, particularly in the past twelve months. He received the Crystal Cruise award from FCCA President Michele Paige at the Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) opening reception held at Roxxy Beach last week.
Paige said Johnson “has worked tirelessly with the industry over the past months since he took office close to one year now. The resilience of your island and the work you have done to rebuild back better is surely noticed.”
Johnson said government, via his ministry, has made it a priority since Irma to increase the connection between crucial local and international stakeholders “as we promote the vision of rebuilding a sustainable St. Maarten and in particular a viable tourism product.”
“To achieve our strategic goal of sustainably redeveloping our country, this is an uphill battle. However, by viewing our challenge in a positive light, we see opportunities for recreating an even more uniquely beautiful and economically prosperous destination," said Johnson.
Welcoming PAMAC attendees, Johnson said hosting business leaders and managers is “a unique opportunity to garner vital industry knowledge and best practices which, when implemented, will lead to long-term success."
The national commitment to the cruise tourism industry gives St. Maarten the “advantage of dedicated focus on the development and improvement of our cruise Industry, which has continued to be a key income generator for our country over the years,” he said.
“We know challenges are being faced within the cruise industry, but with great challenges come great opportunities for growth and improvement. It’s time for extended cruise ship hours, permanent home-porting facility, additional excursions and further opportunities for our people.”
