Bangor Marina gets tourism boost from Cruise Ships in 2010
Northern Ireland is to receive a major boost to tourism in 2010, thanks to the cruise lines.
HUNDREDS of cruise line passengers will give Bangor a tourist boost this summer after the town was named on the itineraries of three operators.
Fred Olsen Cruises´ Black Watch, Cruise and Maritime Voyage´s Ocean Countess and National Trust ship, Hebridean Princess, will call at Bangor Marina between June and August this year.
The priority now, councillors heard at Tuesday night´s Leisure and Tourism Committee meeting, will be keeping passengers in North Down.
Image courtesy of GMW Holdings LLC
Speaking after Tuesday´s meeting, DUP councillor Wesley Irvine said, "I know that cafes and shops in the town centre have agreed to open early on the dates of the visits," he explained.
"The mayor will be meeting passengers as they come off the ships and encouraging them to make the most of what North Down has to offer. "The town centre and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum will be the major draws for passengers."We´ll be competing against other businesses in Northern Ireland but the benefit is they´ll be in Bangor first."
According to an officer´s report, published on Tuesday night, a team of ground handlers is being organised to sell North Down to passengers.
It states, "In early November 2009 the Tourism Development Officer and the Bangor Marina Manager visited cruise ship companies in England.
"The purpose of the visit was twofold, to secure visits from cruise liners and to sell North Down as a destination for passengers.
"Officers met with representatives of Page and Moy, Fred Olsen and Cruise and Maritime Services, Saga and All Leisure Group."
As a result of these meetings three dates have been agreed for visits.
Fred Olsen´s Black Watch will dock for a day. It is estimated that it will carry up to 800 passengers.
The Ocean Countess, operated by Cruise and Maritime Voyages will dock on August 31 for an all day visit. This too carries up to 800 passengers.
The report adds, "Several local tours are being considered by ground handlers to retain many of the passengers in the town and surrounding areas for the duration of their visit."
This is a cruise blog entry by Phil
