SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, RGV - A news story in Seatrade Cruise News says SPI Cruise Group - composed of four companies experienced in the port development, cruise and maritime industries - is creating a plan to develop South Padre Island into a destination for western Caribbean cruises.
Anne Kalosh, U.S. editor of Seatrade Cruise Review and Seatrade Cruise News, wrote the story. "South Padre Island City Council recently approved the SPI Cruise Group's proposal to create a plan to develop the destination for cruise calls," Kalosh wrote.
SPI Cruise Group is a partnership of seasoned cruise port design, maritime operations and marketing professionals.
"With increasing emphasis on tourism sustainability and concerns of over-tourism in some Caribbean ports, cruise lines are seeking alternatives with existing tourism infrastructure. As cruising from Galveston grows, South Padre Island is well-positioned to provide a fresh new destination with attractive shore excursion opportunities that explore the land, sea and sky, as well as some of the most attractive beaches in the region," Kalosh wrote.
South Padre Island Mayor Dennis Stahl is pictured at Cafe Karma on South Padre Island. (Photo: Ron Whitlock Reports)South Padre Island Mayor Dennis Stahl told Seatrade Cruise News: "South Padre Island has been a hidden US jewel for many years. We are looking forward to sharing our unique ecotourism sites, like Sea Turtle Inc., a renowned sea turtle rescue center, and the Birding and Nature Center, a world-class birdwatching destination, in addition to our pristine beaches and adventure activities."
Last October, just before taking over as mayor, Stahl told Ron Whitlock Reports that his goal is to make South Padre Island a world class tourism destination.
“There is confidence on the island, a lot of confidence in the leadership and the direction we are headed. We have a great city council,” Stahl said, in an interview with Whitlock at Cafe Karma on South Padre Island.
“We recently improved Gulf Boulevard. We are in the process right now of spending over $9.2 million to make this a more pedestrian-friendly island, with concrete ADA-compatible sidewalks on both sides of Padre Boulevard and raised medians all the way. The vision is to make SPI a world class visitor resort and a great home for residents. We have a ways to go but we are making good progress.”
The Los Angeles Times reported in September that cruise lines are changing some eastern Caribbean ports of call and heading to Cozumel, Mexico, and alternate ports of call in the wake of Hurricane Irma's destructive path.
"More than 50 cruise ships have canceled or changed itineraries in the last few days because of Irma, which smacked some of the most popular cruise destinations in the world," wrote reporter Mary Forgoine. "Common stops in the Caribbean such as the British Virgin Islands and the French-Dutch island St. Martin/St. Maarten were heavily damaged and continue to assess their losses. It's unknown when these islands may be ready for cruise ships."
Click here to read the Seatrade Cruise News story.
Click here to read the Ron Whitlock Reports story.
Click here to read the Los Angeles Times story.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above story shows the Norwegian Escape on sea trials. It sailed a revised western Caribbean itinerary through November due to the impact of Hurricane Irma in the eastern Caribbean. (Photo: Michel Verdure)
