Havana, November 29 (RHC)-- A Cruise Industry Symposium held sessions November 28th and 29th in Havana, organized by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). It focused on operational, infrastructure and other issues related to the industry.

In addition to leaders of the Cruise Lines International Association and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, the Havana meeting included global cruise line executives, government authorities, and participants from local businesses.

The Cuban delegation to the meeting was co-headed by the Ministers of Tourism and Foreign Investment, Manuel Marrero Cruz, and Rodrigo Malmierca, respectively. It included also authorities from the country's Ministry of Transportation.

During the two-day Symposium, participants reviewed best practices in the areas of cruise ship operations, including safety, security, and the environment.

A joint press release issued at the end of the meeting by the Cruise Lines International Association and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, the Cuban Ministries of Tourism and Transportation noted that the Caribbean state has experienced strong growth in visitors by cruise ships from the United States since May 2016 under permissible categories of travel.

“It is projected,” it said, “that in 2017 more than 380,000 cruise ship passengers will have visited Cuba from Europe, the United States and other countries.”

If further noted that “the natural beauties of the country, its extensive historical and cultural offerings and the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants, in a safe and healthy environment, have made Cuba an important and attractive place as a cruise destination.”

At the end of the event, participants agreed on the need to continue to cooperate on issues that will enhance cruise passenger experiences.