Sunday, June 5, 2016 - 20:05 by ce-press
Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council played host to this year’s Cruise Europe conference. The serious work took place in The Gibson Hotel on the River Liffey and just down from the port offices.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan opened the proceedings saying he was “very conscious that global tourism is in a good state”. Dublin is expecting 113 calls and 180,000 passengers this year with the forecast being for this to “double over the next 10 years”. He added that there is a E230m project on the table to take larger ships into the city centre. Between 2011 and 2015 passenger numbers have increased 61% to 346,000 with 70% of those saying they will return.
Pat Ward, head of corporate services Dublin Port Co, said: “Dublin played host to a most informative and interactive Cruise Europe conference this week. Delegates got the opportunity to get up close and personal with a number of key figures who decide where in the wold their cruiseships call.
“The Cruise Europe conference is a must-attend event in the calendar year. From the go, delegates worked hard but also played hard in the Irish capital and some of Europe's most unique and sought after venues. This proved a hugely successful few days for both Dublin Port and the City, which both realise the importance of working closely in developing cruise tourism. It was also evident from the various cruise executives attending the very unique offering that Dublin presents.”
To a backdrop of sunshine, the city showed just some of what it had to offer both cruise passengers and those returning. Malahide Castle and Gardens (pictured) just outside the centre was the venue for the council dinner but with its rich history, including the odd ghost or two, it’s a great shore excursion opportunity.
The following evening the Guinness Storehouse provided fantastic views of the city, a chance to look into the makings of Guinness as well as ample opportunity to down a few pints before dinner. Welcomed by a four-man drummer band with a difference and entertained by Rainsford Lane afterwards left everyone reeling!
For the final evening, music and river dancing from Celtic Surprise on table tops at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham was a fitting and fun closure to a warm and friendly few days.
All in all members, cruiseline executives and media exchanged knowledge during networking, learnt from a conference day packed with topical and relevant information as well as having a good ‘craic’ in the evenings.
Daytime events for those not in meetings included a visit to the newly-opened interactive Epic Centre which tells the story of the Irish diaspora, the Eithad Skyline tour at Croke Park, Powerscourt Estate voted number three garden in the world by National Geographic and a visit to some of the shops offering discounts and VIP services - Brown Thomas, Appleby, Rocks, Danker Antiques and Avoca - included on the Cruise Dublin Visitor Pass which also gives special prices on entrance to some of the city’s attractions.
Next year’s CEC is being hosted by Columbus Cruise Centre Bremerhaven from April 25 to 27.
