FCCA to detail revamped cruise recruitment drive at San Juan Summit

This will take place at the FCCA Caribbean Cruise Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 1-3.

'With many destinations and people still recovering their economies and livelihoods following the effects of COVID-19, our efforts to increase employment of locals throughout our partner destinations are more important than ever,' FCCA CEO Michele Paige said. 'While we have already worked on this for many years with numerous destinations — and seen not only initial employment, but also many rising through the ranks on board and even reaching executive positions — our revamping of this program should benefit countless more people and families, and there could not be a better time to have this on the agenda at the FCCA Cruise Summit, where key industry players will gather to grow better together.'

Employment committee

FCCA has already formed a new employment committee, comprised of human resources executives from member lines, that is ready to guide destinations through the necessary hiring elements.

Besides sharing details of the recruitment strategy, the FCCA Cruise Summit will gather regional stakeholders and cruise executives for a series of workshops, including one with a panel of four presidents and above from FCCA member lines, as well as networking events and meetings.

Heads of Government Meeting focus

The keynote Heads of Government Meeting, which brings together tourism ministers and above with high-level cruise line executives, will feature the recruitment initiatve as one focus.

Task Force expands beyond COVID protocols

Additionally, the initiative is planned for discussions with the Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force, an undertaking originally launched by FCCA to develop COVID-19 protocols, now planned to continue to quickly address any topics. This results from the success of gathering destination representatives, stakeholders and cruise executives for regular meetings.

Michael Bayley's advocacy

One of the task force chairs, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, pledged to be personally involved with the recruitement initiative and committee. He has often expressed the interest for both Royal Caribbean and the industry to boost employment from FCCA’s destinations.

As a recent example, Royal Caribbean Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of St. Maarten on May 11 to expand job opportunities for islanders.

Just this week, Royal Caribbean inked a similar MOU with Trinidad and Tobago, following those signed at Seatrade Cruise Global with Barbados and with Antigua and Barbuda.

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