This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism Glen Beache at a media briefing held early today at his office, located at the Cruise Ship Terminal. Minister Beache told reporters that popular Cruise Lines Royal Caribbean and Carnival will visit these shores for the first time.

He said plans are in place to have everything ready for the inaugural visit of the ships. "They will not be disappointed," he said.

According to Minister Beache, Royal Caribbean is the second largest employer of locals after the government. He said he understood that the decision to make a port call to this country was based on the request by Vincentians employed with the company. He said the visit by Carnival is equally important because it will open doors for this country.

Despite the positive growth in the industry, Minister Beache admitted that there were some things that needed to be taken care of. He said that the Terminal building would pose a problem in the future if the industry continued to grow at the rate it had been doing. He further noted that at present, two ships could not be comfortably accommodated at the facility. This, he said would have to be addressed.

He announced that this country received an award for the most improved destination by Dream Cruise, a prestigious organisation in the industry. Other awards given were most efficient port services, which was awarded to Vancouver Canada and efficient terminal operator New Orleans.

Overall the Minister stated that the Ministry had been doing a good job irrespective of the limited budget provided.