LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VARGRAVE RICHARDS SPEARHEADS
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION TO ENSURE A WARM WELCOME
FOR CRUISE SHIP VISITORS TO ST. CROIX
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards spearheaded a community round
table discussion Tuesday in an effort to prepare for upcoming cruise
ship arrivals on
St. Croix.
The public and private sectors joined forces and generated ideas to
move the island's tourism industry forward. Richards said the "think
tank" approach is a continuing endeavor to present St. Croix in
its best light, lure larger cruise ships to the island, and entice passengers
to return for longer visits.
Attendees described the meeting as "positive," "constructive,"
and "encouraging."
Meeting participants included representatives from the Police Department;
Tourism Department; Port Authority; Department of Licensing and Consumer
Affairs; St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association; St. Croix Chamber
of Commerce; Frederiksted Economic Development Association; and Federation
of St. Croix Taxi Associations Inc.
During the 2003-2004 season, the Sea Dream I and II are scheduled to
make 10 visits to Gallows Bay. The Lyrica and Radison Diamond are each
slated to call on Frederiksted. A total of up to 1900 passengers is
expected.
Initiatives brainstormed during the meeting were:
* Welcoming visitors with live, local entertainment
* Having official volunteers greet and guide passengers.
* Increasing police presence on foot and bike patrols.
* Organizing vendor areas in concert with existing permit regulations.
* Making the most of pre-sold tours.
* Expanding Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted.
The Lieutenant Governor said he looks forward to more discussions with
community members and working together to ensure that all visitors have
the best possible experience on St. Croix.
