Promise of cruise business a cause for optimism

In the West End, Raymond Tannock, business development manager at WEDCO, which runs

Dockyard, said there was a spring in the steps of retailers and staff.

He added: “We anticipate a better year than last year in that we will have more cruise ship visitors and we’ll also be better prepared for the season.

“Many of the stores have revamped and sharpened their approach – they’ve done some readjusting and they’re well-prepared.”

Mr. Tannock said that Snorkel Park was being upgraded to make it more attractive to visitors, while public buildings were being “freshened up” to improve the Dockyard experience.

He added: “There is definitely a sense that we could get this thing working well. I’ve got a very comfortable sense from people that they will do what is required — be more approachable, friendly and available — to make tourism a success.

“We’re also looking to put on extra activities like free concerts and cultural nights to give the area a real buzz. The idea of Sunday cruise ships provides us an opportunity to support visitor numbers across the whole week, instead of having a lull at weekends.

“I’m more concerned about transportation part of it, especially maintenance of the fast ferries, but the buses will also be available.

“This is a very pleasant area and we want to make the most of it for our visitors.”

Kenneth Bascome, Mayor of St George’s, is upbeat about the coming summer season.

He said a new tender service ferrying cruise ship passengers from Dockyard to Bermuda’s first capital would boost the town’s economy during the peak tourism months.

He added: “That will create buzz in the community and will encourage visitors who do come to tell other people about St George.

“I firmly believe it will be a better season than last year.”

Mr Bascome said that businesses had closed – but that others opening, like a new restaurant in the former Carriage House Restaurant, would help redress the balance.

He added: “Business drives a city or town – if you call us a ghost town, it’s because of a lack of business, not a lack of residents.

“The corporation will continue to work to inject the energy which we believe will work to the benefit of both residents and tourists.

“That will create a business environment where people can find employment and tourists will enjoy visiting.

“I don’t believe the people of St George or the government has realized the potential of our World Heritage status from UNESCO and how it could be used to encourage tourism in St George and Bermuda as a whole.

“And we need to do some promotion of our own to highlight the city we are responsible for.

“There are historical buildings, museums and dynamic people in St George – I believe we will be all right.”

A better season ahead

Debbie Ray, manager of one of Bermuda’s top attractions, Crystal Caves, said the new cruise ship schedule would mean a better year than last year.

She added: “The fact we will have cruise ships coming in over the weekend is good for us.

“Last year, the ships came Monday to Thursday – that’s a lot of people, but we can only accommodate so many at one time.

“This year, we’ll be able to accommodate more because they will be spread out over the week, so we’re very optimistic.”

Ms Ray said that Crystal Caves attracted between 70-90,000 visitors a year. She added: “We’re definitely expecting a better season this year than last year.

“We’ve been very busy getting everything spruced up for the summer and we’re ready to go.”

Jason Price, director of sales and marketing at Dolphin Quest in Hamilton, said: “Although it is still too early to tell how the year will turn out, we are very excited about the increased number of cruise ships forecasted to visit Bermuda in 2011.

“We are also glad to hear that many of these ships will be staying in Bermuda longer than last year.

“With US consumer confidence levels on the rise compared to the past two years, we are also hopeful to see even more US tourists this year enjoying all the wonderful things that Bermuda has to offer.

“In addition to Dolphin Quest’s popular in-water dolphin swim programmes, we are also offering an all new Dolphin Trainer Camp this summer, as well as dolphin-themed birthday parties which we expect to be big hits with the Bermuda residents.

“This year is already off to a pretty good start for us compared to the same time last year, and we are looking forward to a great summer.”

Special report: Tourism

• Last chance to save tourism
• High-class hotels needed to hook wealthy travellers
• 'Success lies with well-heeled visitors'
• Promise of cruise business a cause for optimism
• Watersports firms feel the tourism squeeze
• Liveries slash number of bikes to rent
• Eateries cautiously optimistic for 2011
• Cruise ships are 'wiping out' mid-size hotels but there's reason for hope
• Ten ideas that might boost the industry
• One of our pressing needs in hospitality: good service
• Viewpoint: Has Bermuda lived up to expectations?
• Bermuda has to re-price itself into a niche market