FCCA returns to Mexico with Mazatlán conference Nov. 7-10

As of Aug. 1, 72 cruise executives — including six presidents and above – had confirmed their attendance, the most ever three months before the event.

'We are proud of this event’s continued success for attendees and so many throughout our partner destinations,' FCCA President Adam Ceserano said. 'This has been the birthplace of everything from new tours to entire destination developments, so we are excited about what this year can mean for attendees, along with what it can bring Mazatlán by showcasing some of its stunning sights, sounds and tastes.'

Participants will be able to attend workshops, networking opportunities and meetings, including one-on-one meetings for pre-registered delegates. Last year’s event registered a record 652 one-on-one meetings and FCCA said this year is expected to surpass that.

Presidential Panel

The workshop agenda features a Presidential Panel with presidents and above from cruise companies. The panel will consist of Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line; Michael Bayley, president/CEO, Royal Caribbean International; David Herrera, president, Norwegian Cruise Line; John Padgett, president, Princess Cruises; Rick Sasso, chairman, MSC Cruises USA; and Josh Weinstein, president/CEO, Carnival Corp. & plc.

Other workshops will cover port operations, destination partnerships, itinerary planning, destination experiences and crisis planning.

Mazatlán cruise count

By hosting, Mazatlán and Sinaloa state aim to increase the benefits of cruise tourism by raising the 388,690 passenger arrivals from FCCA member lines forecast this year.

During the 2017/18 cruise season, Mazatlán chalked up $15.8m of direct expenditures (including $11.44m by passengers and $1.76m by crew) in addition to 420 jobs paying $2.56m in wages, according to a study by Business Research & Economic Advisers (BREA).

8.4m cruise arrivals in Mexico

The event shows the importance of Mexico to the cruise industry, with 8.4m FCCA member line passenger arrivals projected in the country's ports this year.

According to BREA's 2017/18 study, cruise tourism in Mexico generated $699.39m in direct expenditures, in addition to 17,392 jobs paying $114.9m in wages for the eight destinations participating in the research.

Registration/information: www.FCCAConference.com.