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Cruise leaders to convene in New Orleans for FCCA Platinum event

Cruise leaders to convene in New Orleans for FCCA Platinum event
More than 150 cruise line executives are scheduled to meet in New Orleans this week as the port hosts the 2016 Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council Conference of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

Local elected officials and tourism leaders will meet with executives from FCCA’s 19 member lines, along with key cruise tourism stakeholders, to update them on New Orleans' tourism economy, infrastructure and attractions.

Presenters include port president and ceo Gary LaGrange, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu; Iftikhar Ahmad, director of aviation, Louis Armstrong International Airport; Stephen Perry, president and ceo, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau; Kyle Edmiston, assistant secretary, Louisiana Office of Tourism; and Mark Romig, president and ceo, New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp.

'We are excited to host this prestigious meeting and welcome our cruise partners to New Orleans,' LaGrange said. 'As the sixth largest cruise port in the United States, we hope to highlight the attractions and advantages of cruising from New Orleans as we continue to grow the cruise the industry in Louisiana.'

A wide array of topics will be covered in the meetings. Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer, Norwegian Cruise Line, will discuss cruise line destination development. Christine Duffy, president, Carnival Cruise Line, will present 'Carnival and New Orleans: Beyond Business.' Giora Israel, svp, Global Port & Destination Development Group, Carnival Corp. & plc, will speak on 'The Opening of Cuba: An Opportunity or a Challenge?' And Donnie Brown, director of technical and regulatory affairs, environmental and health, Cruise Lines International Association, will discuss health and safety policies and procedures.

In addition, FCCA’s membership will present a $20,000 charitable donation to Tipitina’s Foundation for new instruments for New Orleans youth.

The conference’s business meetings will kick off Thursday at Harrah’s Hotel.