Summary: The FCCA Leadership Series debuts as a new forum to highlight senior public- and private-sector voices guiding tourism development across the Caribbean and Latin America, beginning with an episode featuring Port St. Maarten CEO Alexander Gumbs.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has introduced the FCCA Leadership Series, a new interview platform intended to showcase senior leaders who are influencing the trajectory of tourism across the Caribbean and Latin America. The series, hosted by Adam Ceserano, President of the FCCA, brings together government officials, cruise industry executives, port operators, and destination partners to discuss strategic issues affecting the region.

Objectives and focus areas of the series

FCCA says the Leadership Series is designed to promote candid conversations on subjects that drive regional tourism performance. Sessions will explore long-term planning, resilience, investment in infrastructure, and measures to enhance destination competitiveness and sustainable growth.

  • Sustainable growth and economic impact
  • Resilience and crisis recovery
  • Infrastructure and port development
  • Destination competitiveness and collaboration

Adam Ceserano, who will moderate the series, framed the initiative as an opportunity to foster sustained dialogue among the region's senior stakeholders and to highlight the value of shared leadership in tourism development.

This series reflects FCCA’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and shared leadership across the Caribbean and Latin America,

Inaugural episode: ports and public-sector leadership

The first episode features Alexander Gumbs, Chief Executive Officer of the Port St. Maarten Group. Recorded at FCCA headquarters in Miramar, Florida, the conversation examines how ports and public-sector leadership fit into the broader tourism ecosystem and contribute to regional development.

Gumbs traces his rise from an early internship at the port to his current leadership role, underscoring the importance of hands-on experience and a long-term strategic perspective for port and destination management. He described a leadership style built on collaboration, listening, and aligning port operations with destination objectives.

Sacrifices must be made to be successful,

The discussion also addresses how crisis events can accelerate necessary change. Gumbs reflected on the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and how the recovery period pushed forward innovation, decision-making, and strategic improvements at the port.

In chaos, at times, comes opportunities,

Port St. Maarten cruise terminal with ships docked illustrating port operations and tourism infrastructure
Port St. Maarten's operations and infrastructure were discussed in the FCCA Leadership Series debut

Rollout and where to watch

Under Ceserano's guidance, the series will present a range of perspectives from senior tourism leaders across the region. FCCA says the episodes will delve into both strategic challenges and practical opportunities for public- and private-sector partners.

The first episode is scheduled to premiere across FCCA social media channels on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Why this matters to travelers and the industry

By amplifying senior voices on planning, resilience and infrastructure, the FCCA Leadership Series can influence how destinations prioritize investments that affect visitor experience, safety, and connectivity. For industry stakeholders and travellers, greater coordination between ports, governments and cruise lines can translate into improved services, more resilient destinations, and clearer pathways for sustainable growth.