GIBRALTAR (GibChronicle) Senior cruise executives from across the globe showed "considerable interest" in plans to permit gambling on cruise ships docked overnight in Gibraltar. The proposal was outlined by Deputy Chief Minister Joe Holliday in a speech to over 100 industry leaders at the 1st World Ports Summit in Brussels last week, on the eve of the European Cruise Council. It also coincided with publication of draft legislation that, once approved, will make the move a reality. The draft law could lead to vessels staying longer in Gibraltar, which in turn would increase the economic impact that passengers have on the economy.>>>
In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Holliday told the executives that Gibraltar punched significantly above its weight in all areas of its economy, including the maritime sector.
Focusing on shipping, he described how over 11,000 deep-sea vessels called at the port during 2010 to make use of the many maritime services available in Gibraltar. In most segments of the maritime sector, figures were better than for the previous year.
In respect of the cruise industry, the Minister said Gibraltar was not complacent about the competition it faced from neighbouring ports and that it had to fight for its share of the market.
"We are proud of the fact that in the fifteen years the present administration has been in office, there has been a growth of 241% in the number of cruise passengers handled," he said.
Cruise ship bookings for 2012 suggest a good year, with 170 calls so far scheduled, with an expected total of over 315,000 passengers.
There was considerable interest among the delegates when he spoke about current legislative amendments being made to allow cruise ships to open all their onboard revenue-earning outlets, while still alongside, from 6pm onwards.
While plans had already been drawn up to expand and refurbish the Cruise Terminal, these will now also take account of the Government's longer-term goal to turn the Western Arm into a dedicated cruise facility.
"This and other infrastructural projects, such as the new Air Terminal, are geared towards propelling Gibraltar forwards and providing the wherewithal for our community to prosper, improving the visitor experience and attracting the international business community, which, it has to be said, has not failed to recognise Gibraltar's potential for the future," he said.
The move to allow cruise ships to open their casinos and shops overnight had been announced some time ago but the draft legislation that will bring it about was only published last week.
Ships usually sail in the late afternoon in order to reach international waters and be able to open their revenue-earning onboard outlets for their passengers, even if their next port of call is close by.
This government said its initiative would give both passengers and off-duty crew the opportunity of going ashore in the evenings, leading to additional business opportunities for local traders. Ships would save fuel by remaining tied up for a longer period of time.
Likewise local tour operators will have greater scope - and time - to offer shore excursions.
"It is a win-win situation for everybody," said Mr Holliday when the move was first announced last April.
"The cruise operators can offer more tours to their passengers, offer more time ashore to their off-duty crews and importantly save fuel which is their top priority at present, while Gibraltar will benefit from having ships extend their stay into the evening."
The legislation has yet to be debated and approved by Parliament.
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In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Holliday told the executives that Gibraltar punched significantly above its weight in all areas of its economy, including the maritime sector.
Focusing on shipping, he described how over 11,000 deep-sea vessels called at the port during 2010 to make use of the many maritime services available in Gibraltar. In most segments of the maritime sector, figures were better than for the previous year.
In respect of the cruise industry, the Minister said Gibraltar was not complacent about the competition it faced from neighbouring ports and that it had to fight for its share of the market.
"We are proud of the fact that in the fifteen years the present administration has been in office, there has been a growth of 241% in the number of cruise passengers handled," he said.
Cruise ship bookings for 2012 suggest a good year, with 170 calls so far scheduled, with an expected total of over 315,000 passengers.
There was considerable interest among the delegates when he spoke about current legislative amendments being made to allow cruise ships to open all their onboard revenue-earning outlets, while still alongside, from 6pm onwards.
While plans had already been drawn up to expand and refurbish the Cruise Terminal, these will now also take account of the Government's longer-term goal to turn the Western Arm into a dedicated cruise facility.
"This and other infrastructural projects, such as the new Air Terminal, are geared towards propelling Gibraltar forwards and providing the wherewithal for our community to prosper, improving the visitor experience and attracting the international business community, which, it has to be said, has not failed to recognise Gibraltar's potential for the future," he said.
The move to allow cruise ships to open their casinos and shops overnight had been announced some time ago but the draft legislation that will bring it about was only published last week.
Ships usually sail in the late afternoon in order to reach international waters and be able to open their revenue-earning onboard outlets for their passengers, even if their next port of call is close by.
This government said its initiative would give both passengers and off-duty crew the opportunity of going ashore in the evenings, leading to additional business opportunities for local traders. Ships would save fuel by remaining tied up for a longer period of time.
Likewise local tour operators will have greater scope - and time - to offer shore excursions.
"It is a win-win situation for everybody," said Mr Holliday when the move was first announced last April.
"The cruise operators can offer more tours to their passengers, offer more time ashore to their off-duty crews and importantly save fuel which is their top priority at present, while Gibraltar will benefit from having ships extend their stay into the evening."
The legislation has yet to be debated and approved by Parliament.
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