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Torbay Sailing Ahead As Cruise Ship Destination!

PRESS RELEASE: 02 May 2007

TORBAY IS SAILING AHEAD AS A FUTURE CRUISE SHIP DESTINATION

The English Riviera has made a big splash at this year's Seatrade Cruise Forum, with the resort now set to be a future port of call for several large international cruise line companies.

Aviva Pearson, the Director of Tourism in Torbay was joined by Kevin Mowat, The Director Of Marine Services at the forum held in Poole, Dorset last week. The conference provided the perfect opportunity to network with cruise line executives and outline what Torbay has to offer in terms of shore excursions, itinerary options and dining and entertainment possibilities.

Mrs. Pearson was formally the Head Of Tourism in the Welsh island of Anglesey, where she implemented the 'Cruise Anglesey Strategy'. This resulted in some of the world's largest cruise ships visiting the island for the very first time. She plans to repeat this success in Torbay, putting the English Riviera firmly on the map as a truly international cruise ship destination.

"The English Riviera is a perfect port of call for every type of cruise liner," explains the Director of Tourism, "and we talked extensively to North American, Dutch, Italian and German liners whose passengers are looking for that unique English destination experience. We have the attractions, natural beauty, cultural connections and historical experiences that these passengers are looking for."

"Cruise line executives were particularly impressed with the history and culture the area has to offer, while the Agatha Christie connection excited both European and American delegates alike. The outstanding natural beauty of the Bay also scored highly with those attending the forum, with the mild climate and geographical location also adding to the appeal."

The three-day programme of events also included seminars, workshops and panel discussions highlighting what cruise lines need from ports of call, including port welcomes and send offs, as well as sightseeing and exclusive arrangements for passengers.

"It was very important to meet the executives from the cruise liners face to face", said Captain Mowat, "and most importantly to demonstrate how easy a cruise call would be to the English Riviera. A short 10 to 15 minute tender ride from the ship and passengers would disembark on our excellent facilities and our coach hard-standing."

"We were able to show the cruise executives the beauty of the Bay via a live web link to Beacon Quay during our meetings. Tor Bay is a very safe anchorage and makes an ideal cruise ship tender call. We are very excited about welcoming more and more cruise ships to the area in the future."

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For additional information, please contact Katherine Brown - Tourism Media Assistant, or Georgina Bowen - Tourism Marketing Manager at the English Riviera Tourist Board on 01803-296 296.