2nd September 2010WEYMOUTH: Cruise ship passengers bring rich reards to town's traders
by Paul Crompton
TRADERS are being urged to accept the euro and capitalise on a mini-economic boom caused when cruise-liners flood Weymouth and Portland with day-trippers.
Portland Harbour Authority has calculated almost £500,000 will be potentially generated this year as cruise passengers stop to take in the historic sights and sounds of the area.
Harbour Traders’ Association chairman and director of Brewers’ Quay, Roger Dalton, urged traders to capture the market, which has seen 3,000 passengers visit the borough in the last two months.
During July and August tourists spent an average of £46 each, either within the borough or taking excursions to places such as Corfe Castle, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Mr Dalton said: “We’re keen to make it as easy as possible for visitors to do business with us it’s crucial in this current climate. If we show we are prepared to go the extra mile to welcome tourists - we all will reap the rewards.
“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 our members.”
Amongst the initiatives to fully harness the potential market the HTA has had English and German translations inserted into leaflets and interpreters welcome visitors.
Another scheme has seen tourism students from Weymouth College boarding the cruise ships to promote the best Weymouth and Portland has to offer passengers.
The students meet and greet passengers as part of a 15-week cruise module during their two-year BTEC national diploma in travel and tourism.
Passengers who opted to visit Weymouth harbour also take advantage of a courtesy shuttle bus operated by Portland Harbour Authority, dropping them off at Portland Castle and Brewers Quay.
As well as being greeted by the town crier and Portland Mayor, passengers have been given a farewell by either the Weymouth Brass Band or the Portland Sea Cadets along with a three-gun salute by the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers.
Ian McQuade, commercial manager of PHA, said: “Cruise operators are increasingly choosing us because the region offers their passengers so much - history, nature and the charm of Dorset life – it’s great to see Portland and the investment we’ve made in promoting the port and the region being recognised by these world-leading tour companies.”
PICTURE: COME ABOARD - Weymouth College students Faith Lewis, Katie Tweed, Zack Simmons and Rachel Pedder welcome cruise ship passengers who each buoy the economy by £50
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