Cruise Britain, the joint initiative between Britain’s ports and their service providers, has hosted its 10th anniversary members meeting in Guernsey.
Over 30 member delegates met to discuss how to further develop Britain’s cruise business and improve the cruise passenger experience at British cruise ports. Delegates also discussed other issues facing the industry.
Members of the Committee for Economic Development also met with delegates emphasising how important the cruise industry is to Guernsey’s tourism economy. Charles Parkinson, President of the Committee for Economic Development, welcomed the Cruise Britain members and thanked them for their collaboration and ongoing support.
Mike Hopkins, Director of Marketing and Tourism, States of Guernsey opened a busy morning of business sessions stating that: “The cruise industry is a key element of Guernsey’s visitor economy providing a vitally important day visitor market which brings over 100,000 passengers to Guernsey each year to experience the delights and warm welcome the island has to offer, and also providing the opportunity to encourage passengers to return for a longer visit.”
The morning saw topics discussed on a wide range of subjects including the challenge of Cruise Security Clearance, presented by Peter Knight of Denholm Port Services, and by Carol Lanyon from the Guernsey Border Agency, and Improving the Cruise Passenger Welcome and Shore Excursion Experience, presented by both Laura Campbell from Visit Hampshire/Discover England Fund South Coast Cruise Project, and by Isabel de Menezes from VisitGuernsey.
Over the two-day event members were treated to a guided tour of the island by Gill Girard from The Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Guernsey Accredited Guides, which encompassed Guernsey’s rich heritage and history and many of its unique attractions. The Group also enjoyed a visit to neighbouring island Herm which is a popular shore excursion for visiting cruise passengers.
Kay Greenway, Director of Cruise Britain said: ”It has been so valuable for Cruise Britain members to visit Guernsey and learn more of the island’s cruise product and overall visitor economy. Guernsey is extremely important to the continuing development of the cruise industry in Britain and understanding the island’s challenges and opportunities is vital in the association’s work to develop best practice and collaboration between all our members. As an association, Cruise Britain has not visited Guernsey before, so being hosted on the island for our 10th Anniversary summer meeting was particularly special and thanks must go to all at VisitGuernsey who worked so hard to showcase the island’s cruise and tourism product.”
Feedback from attending members has been positive:
“Cruise Britain is about making friends, learning, sharing and exchanging ideas, plus visiting a fantastic new destination and watching the VisitGuernsey team in action – #1st class!” Seonad Duggan, Isle of Man
“For Seatrade, Cruise Britain is a great networking opportunity to see a lot of our clients and understand the challenges and issues they face. This enables us to provide better events for the cruise industry. As it’s a safe environment everyone feels they can be quite open.” Victoria Philpot, Seatrade*.
