News Release
FOR RELEASE - January 3, 2011
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA 2011 Cruise Seminar To Focus On Sustainability, Security, Financing

Program Set For Miami, Feb. 9-11

Western Hemisphere cruise market trends and challenges, as well as issues related to facility financing, "sustainable cruising," safety and security are among the  topics on tap Feb. 9-11, 2011, in Miami when the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Port of Miami host the 12^th annual AAPA Cruise Seminar.  

According to AAPA President Kurt Nagle, the cruise industry is a major economic engine and jobs generator for Western Hemisphere port communities, as well as a vital component of the maritime transportation system.  In the United States in 2009, cruise activities at America's seaports added more than $35 billion to the nation's economy, created more than 314,000 U.S. jobs and generated nearly $323,000 in onshore spending per "average" size ship (carrying 2000 passengers and 950 crew members) where passengers embarked on their cruise.

At AAPA's Cruise Seminar, industry executives from throughout the hemisphere-representing cruise lines, associations and ports, together with private sector financial, tourism, planning and environmental presenters, and representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection-will help participants gain a better understanding of what's going on in the cruise industry.  Included will be a special focus on regional markets in North America, Mexico and Latin America, and what is being done to help the industry recover from the economic downturn and grow market share.

Regional cruising, destination management, effectively handling the new "mega-ships," and developing and marketing cruise facilities for dual use are also on the AAPA Cruise Seminar agenda, along with the presentation of AAPA Cruise Awards to Betty MacMillan, business development manager for the Saint John Port Authority; and Terry Thornton, senior vice president of itineraries and revenue planning for Carnival Cruise Lines. AAPA Cruise Awards are presented periodically to recognize an individual or individuals whose outstanding work or service has had a positive impact on the relationship between one or more cruise ports and the cruise industry in the Western Hemisphere.

WHO:	American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Port of Miami
WHAT:	Seminar covering issues related to cruise ports, cruise lines and cruise facilities.
WHEN:	Feb.  9-11, 2011 (Days 1 & 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Day 3, 8:30 a.m. - noon)
WHERE:	Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay, 1633 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132; Phone: (305) 374-3900 and ask for Reservations and the AAPA room block; Fax: (305) 536-6411.
INFO:	More information about AAPA's Cruise Seminar is available at /Programs/seminarschedule.cfm?itemnumber=17554 or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703- 684-5700.
MEDIA:	Credentialed media wishing to cover the business sessions of this event are asked to call or email AAPA's Aaron Ellis (tel: 703-706-4714 / email: aellis@aapa-ports.org) in advance to obtain a media badge.