Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez is encouraging more local food and craft pop-ups in St. John’s to give cruise passengers more reasons to remain ashore and spend with local businesses.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez said activities such as pottery-making demonstrations and locally prepared food could improve the visitor experience while creating opportunities for residents.

He said officials were working to encourage more pop-ups when cruise ships arrive, giving passengers exploring the city something to do rather than returning to their vessels.

Fernandez highlighted pottery as one example, saying visitors could watch items being made and purchase an authentic local souvenir.

“They want to see something, and especially if they see it made, they will know this is an Antiguan thing,” he said.

He argued that locally produced goods offer visitors a stronger connection to the destination than imported souvenirs.

The minister linked the proposal to the need to improve St. John’s as cruise traffic grows. He reported a 20% increase in cruise arrivals for the year to date compared with last year and said more than 10,000 cruise visitors were on island on the day of the broadcast.

Fernandez did not announce designated locations, an application process or a timetable for the proposed pop-ups.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Local food and craft pop-ups encouraged as Antigua and Barbuda cruise traffic grows.