For the second time in three years Guernsey has won the coveted 'Best UK & British Isles Port of Call' award in the 'Cruise Critic Editors' Pick Awards' reflecting the development the island has made in this sector in recent years.
Guernsey has been chosen as the 2017 winner for its commitment to the cruise sector in. This has been demonstrated through an improved infrastructure and continued investment which has seen cruise numbers grow significantly developing a new revenue stream and acting as a marketing channel for the island.
The Editor of Cruise Critic, Adam Coulter, who has visited Guernsey twice to review the cruise product, at the instigation of VisitGuernsey, credits the free Wi-Fi, upgraded port area and a helpful meet and greet team that welcome visitors in high season as assets for the disembarking passengers.
In recent years, Guernsey's cruise industry has seen record growth as it retains its status as the most popular Channel Island for tendering ships. The 2017 cruise season finished on a high with predictions for 2018's growth already promising and an increase in ships scheduled to call. There are already 103 ships scheduled to call in at Guernsey's capital St Peter Port in 2018, comprising 12 inaugural visits and representing a potential 15,047 passengers.
The Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards are selected by a global panel of impartial cruise experts from Cruise Critic, to highlight the best ocean, river and luxury cruise lines and ports across dozens of categories. This year, Guernsey was also listed in the top five British Isles and Western Europe destinations in the Cruisers' Choice Cruise Critic award, which is voted for by genuine cruisers.
Mike Hopkins, director of marketing and tourism at VisitGuernsey comments; "Guernsey is delighted to be the winners of this prestigious award again. The award is recognition of our continued commitment to and development of the cruise market, showing how we, together with Guernsey Harbours other on-island stakeholders, are successfully responding to the needs and requirements of the thousands of cruise passengers that visit our island each year. Cruise represents a significant part of our tourism industry and we will therefore continue to look for ways to offer passengers a positive experience and exceed their expectations when visiting our island."
Captain Chad Murray, Guernsey Harbour Master comments; "I am extremely proud, both personally and as Harbour Master that Guernsey has again won this award. St Peter Port is the gateway to all cruise visitors and we, as a harbour team, are wholly committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all when arriving and leaving by ship. The continued collaborative approach between Guernsey Harbours and the Cruise Guernsey teams should be congratulated. It is due to their collaborative working and 'can-do' approach that Guernsey can proudly receive this award." Captain Murray went on to say "I must also thank the people of Guernsey for their co-operation during cruise call days. We work hard to minimise the disruption but do recognise the effort local residents sometimes have to go to in assisting us in welcome these valuable visitors to our shores".
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