Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608
CRUISE NEWS A packed house at the Puerto Rico Convention Center as the opening got underway last week The 31st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show concluded in San Juan, Puerto Rico recently, following a week of high-level discussions, productive one-on-one meetings, and renewed commitment to advancing the cruise industry through collaboration, innovation and sustainable development. Hosted in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company the event attracted senior cruise executives, government ministers and directors of tourism, and tourism stakeholders — including FCCA Presidential Partners and Platinum Members from across the Caribbean, Latin America and further afield. At the opening, FCCA Chief Executive Officer Michele Paige reaffirmed the Association's core mission of partnership and collaboration. Reflecting on the vision of FCCA Chairman Micky Arison, she reminded dele- gates that destinations can only fully benefit from the economic potential of the cruise industry when they understand it. "That began the foundation of why we get together — to communicate, collaborate (and) be part- ners," Paige said. Emphasizing unity, she added that more than 100 cruise executives had assembled for the confer- ence to engage directly with destination stakeholders, answer questions, and help them reach their goals: "We are your partners; we want everyone here to succeed." Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Willianette Robles welcomed delegates to San Juan, "the cruise capital of the Eastern Caribbean," highlighting a historic milestone as the island expects to receive a record 1.9 million cruise passengers this season. She noted that Puerto Rico is "not just welcoming ships — we are building the future of Caribbean cruising" through major investments in infrastructure, technology and workforce development. Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (left), was honored by FCCA CEO Michele Paige and Carnival Corporation & plc President & CEO Josh Weinstein for her exceptional leadership and partnership with the cruise industry Governor Jenniffer González-Colón reaffirmed Puerto Rico's leadership in Caribbean cruising and its commitment to modernizing port infrastructure across the island. In addition to record passenger arrivals, she highlighted terminal upgrades, and plans to expand cruise activity beyond San Juan — ensuring tourism's benefits reach other regions on the island. "What this conference highlighted for us all is that the cruise industry is constantly moving forward. It grows through ongoing dialogue, shared ideas, and a deep understanding of what guests truly value. To host that conversation here in Puerto Rico — to see it unfold in our meeting halls, in the exchange of ideas that flowed all week, and even within La Fortaleza — was genuinely rewarding. It underscored that staying competitive means staying connected and that hospitality, vision and readi- ness are essential for continued growth. Puerto Rico embraced that challenge this week, and we look forward to welcoming the industry back next year (October 12-16, 2026)!" stated Governor González-Colón. FCCA 31ST ANNUAL CRUISE CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW CONCLUDES IN PUERTO RICO WITH STRONG CALLS FOR COLLABORATION, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41