On Tuesday 8th May the Isle of Man is expecting its first cruise vessel of 2012, Quest for Adventure, and the Department of Economic Development has put in place familiarisation sessions for volunteers to welcome passengers when they come ashore.
There has been a fantastic response to Isle of Man Tourism’s request for cruise welcomers and 35 people have now confirmed their availability. They will greet passengers when they arrive at the pier and be located at key sites around the Island during all cruise calls. The Department has identified how important it is to enhance the passenger experience by offering this service and how valuable these volunteers are to the Isle of Man.
The volunteer team of Welcomers will enhance the experience of cruise ship passengers by ensuring that they enjoy a relaxed arrival on the Island and maximise their time ashore. They will assist in guiding passengers to coaches and other pre-booked transport and also assist those who wish to explore alone and create their own itineraries. Organised excursions include a visit to Laxey, Tynwald Hill, Cregneash Folk village and Castle Rushen. This year several new itineraries have been introduced to encourage passengers to experience all the Island has to offer.
Geoff Corkish MBE MHK, Political member for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism, said:
‘Isle of Man Tourism continues to encourage more cruise visits to our Island and another initiative has been to invite local residents to welcome cruise passengers from around the world when they arrive. It is pleasing to see that so many people have volunteered to welcome passengers and I am impressed at the calibre of those who have come forward from the local community and wish to share in welcoming our visitors and understand the important role they will play.
‘I hope the passengers will enjoy their visit and go home and tell their friends all about the Isle of Man. The key is getting people to come back to ensure that it becomes a popular point of call.’
Cruise companies regularly survey passengers to ensure that they have an enjoyable and memorable experience whilst ashore and the Welcomers will play a key role in this, ensuring that we can continue to build this important business which plays a vital role within the local economy.
Photo caption: Julie Colquitt, Tourism Product Development Manager (front left) and Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK (front right) pictured with the Cruise Ship Welcomers.
