Cayman’s Ministry and Department of Tourism are giving water tour and other tourism-related businesses a chance to improve their opportunities for trading off of cruise ship visits, the Cayman News Service is reporting.

Authorities have arranged a meeting of the minds with cruise industry executives this week that is open to local tour operators, representatives from major attractions, suppliers and retailers.

Those who own tourism-related businesses want to meet with cruise industry executives to raise their concerns.

For years, local tourism business owners have complained that their margins are being squeezed by the cruise companies, making it almost impossible to earn a living.

The face-to-face meetings will take place tomorrow, during the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council, which is being held in Cayman.

The publication reported Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan as saying: “We aim to assist the private companies by fostering communication, encouraging cruise lines’ purchase of local goods and services, and identifying any concerns or opportunities that can help Cayman’s cruise tourism sector to flourish.”

Two meetings will be available to the variety of sectors within the cruise industry. Session one will be for stakeholders involved in tour operations or shore excursions, and session two will cater to those that manage port operations, itinerary planning and retail.

Company delegations were able to register up to two participants who would engage in talks with representatives from the various cruise lines.