Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism
The second annual Cruise Connect Conference, hosted by Antigua Cruise Port a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), exceeded expectations at the Royalton Antigua in Five Islands, marking another milestone in shaping the future of Caribbean cruise tourism.
The event gathered international cruise executives, government leaders, tourism authorities, and private-sector stakeholders for a day of high-level dialogue, networking, and knowledge sharing. Building on the strong foundation of the inaugural conference, this year’s edition delivered powerful insights on how regional ports and destinations can respond to evolving passenger demands, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate sustainable growth across the industry.
Memorable moments from the event included:
Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, who highlighted the government’s commitment towards improving cruise infrastructure for the nation.
Erika Tache, GPH Vice President of Shore Excursions, Landside and Guest Experiences, who presented new innovations in guest experience design.
Richard Diaz, Senior Director of Destination Development at Virgin Voyages, who explored just how cruise lines are adapting to changing passenger expectations.
“Conferences like Antigua Cruise Connect are critical because they bring together cruise lines, port partners, and communities to shape the future of our industry” said Mr. Diaz. “For Virgin Voyages, the Caribbean is more than a destination – it’s a cornerstone of our deployment strategy, where authentic cultural experiences meet forward-looking port development. We value collaborations with partners like GPH who share our vision of creating guest journeys that feel curated, not commoditized. By working hand-in-hand with local businesses, investing in sustainable growth, and putting Sailors’ experiences at the center, we can ensure that the region continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, who emphasized aligning cruise development with national tourism strategies.
Ceylan Erzi, GPH Marketing Director, who outlined how GPH fosters sustainable partnerships across its global portfolio of 33 cruise ports across 21 countries.
Lancelot Arnold, GPH Regional Director Eastern Caribbean, who highlighted the importance of building more regional unity and capacity in an ever-evolving cruise landscape.
Mr. Arnold shared: “This year’s event reinforced our commitment as GPH to creating lasting value for our destinations, our partners, and our communities. The Caribbean is stronger when we collaborate, and Cruise Connect is the bridge that makes that possible.”.
St. Clair Soleyn, Director of Policy and Planning in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, who addressed the need for stronger policy frameworks that support successful public–private partnerships like the government’s concession agreement with GPH.
Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, and his team also shared updates on the port’s upland development project, which will enhance homeporting capacity while “Unlocking Quay Opportunities” for both visitors and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“Cruise Connect has quickly established itself as a pivotal platform for regional dialogue, connecting global industry leaders with local voices to chart the course of Caribbean cruise tourism,” said Gasper George. “As we continue our partnership, Antigua and Barbuda stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, investment, and community priorities are aligned. This year’s gathering is a reflection on progress, inspiring the next chapter of sustainable and inclusive growth for our destinations.”
The energy of Cruise Connect now sails on to Saint Lucia Cruise Port that will host its own edition on September 18, 2025 at the Royalton Saint Lucia. Together these events reinforces both Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia as leaders of innovation within the eastern Caribbean cruise port network.
With its second successful edition, Cruise Connect has firmly established itself as a premier platform for strategic exchange, uniting global industry expertise with regional ambition to ensure the Caribbean remains at the forefront of cruise tourism development.“Antigua Cruise Port – Ready, Set, Sail… Unlocking Quay Opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda!”
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