PORTLAND CRUISE VISITS BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY

Portland Harbour Authority has helped create a mini-boom for Dorset businesses using the skills of local tourism students to promote the resort to thousands of visiting summertime cruise passengers.

Between July and August the European and US passengers who docked on the inaugural visits of the British vessel Ocean Countess, the U.S passenger ship Insignia and Dutch/American Westerdam spent an average of 57 Euros per head in and around Weymouth, according to the Weymouth Harbour Traders’ Association.

A further 2,800 cruise visitors are set to visit the region between now and late September, coutesy of Portland Harbour Authority – bringing the number of tourists the Port has attracted in 2010 to 10,000.

Visiting cruise liners are welcomed by the town crier as well as Portland’s Mayor and Mayoress. The passengers are offered excursions to places of local interest such as Corfe Castle, Athelhampton House, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens and Minterne Gardens and the Cerne Abbas Giant.

Passengers who opt to visit Weymouth harbour are able to take advantage of a courtesy shuttle bus operated by Portland Harbour Authority, dropping them off at key sites such as Portland Castle and Weymouth’s popular Brewers Quay.

Roger Dalton, who is chairman of the Weymouth Harbour Traders Association said: ‘We have English and German translations inserted into leaflets as well as interpreters to welcome cruise visitors and answer any queries.

‘It makes it easier for visitors to do business with us which is crucial in this current climate. We will reap the rewards if we go the extra mile to welcome tourists.’

‘There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of cruise ships over the past year and the spend per head is much higher than the average visitor so there is a double benefit for local retailers.

‘For many visitors it’s their only stop in the UK - they are here for only one the day – that’s why it’s so important for traders to accept the Euro and help as much as possible with all enquiries and questions from our European guests.’

Weymouth College tourism course tutor Sarah Lawrence said: ‘The students do a 15 week cruise module as part of the two year BTEC national diploma in travel and tourism.

‘It’s an amazing opportunity for the college and the students to get the chance to learn on the job. They go on board the cruise ships and promote the best that Weymouth has to offer to the passengers.

‘Getting Weymouth College involved was the brainchild of Amanda Milner, a former student herself who previously completed the travel and tourism course and is now sales and marketing executive at Portland Port Limited.’

Ian McQuade, Commercial Manager of Portland Harbour Authority, said: ‘Cruise operators are increasingly choosing us because we provide fast access to the English Channel and are able to give passengers so much to see and do in the local region - history, nature and the charm of Dorset life –world-class cruise companies are recognising Portland and the investment we’ve made.’

NOTE TO EDITORS

To interview Ian McQuade please contact James Fenton at Watershed PR: 01308 420785.

The tariff and general Portland Harbour Authority information can be viewed at http://www.portland-port.co.uk/

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