Falklands : Small growth in cruise tourism likely next year, despite economic downturn
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 19.05.2009 (Article Archived on 02.06.2009)
The affects of the current global economic downturn on cruise tourism is a subject being closely monitored by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
Small growth in cruise tourism likely next year, despite economic downturn
The affects of the current global economic downturn on cruise tourism is a subject being closely monitored by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
“Cruise tourism to the Falklands has been growing at an average annual rate of 13.9% since 2000”, says Jake Downing, General Manager of FITB, “but there are a number of factors at play this year which mean we won’t be able to sustain that level of growth next season”.
One of those factors is the global economic climate. Visitors from the USA make up the largest percentage of cruise visitors to the Falklands, and although the North American cruise industry recently declared itself ‘recession-resistant’, there are already signs that this is not necessarily the case. In the UK, the second most important source market, price cuts are helping to stimulate demand, but the trend towards late bookings is a clear sign of how uncertain holidaymakers are feeling.
It’s not only the economic climate which is affecting cruise tourism to the Falklands at the moment. “Because the islands are almost always part of a South America and/or Antarctic cruise, the state of cruising in the whole region has a big impact”, says Downing. “Some of the challenges we are facing right now include operating costs at ports in the region, fuel restrictions in Antarctica, and other regional issues.”
Despite the challenges, the Falkland Islands Tourist Board is anticipating a small growth in cruise arrivals in the 2009/10 season. “We are forecasting a growth of around 1% this year”, says Downing. “In the meantime what we need to do is ensure that our marketing, planning and infrastructure is protected, prepared and developed for the long-term, so that we are able to reap the benefits when the economy picks up again”.
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Further information: contact Jake Downing, tel 27019 or gm.fitb@horizon.co.fk
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