Close collaboration between the administration and business sector – key to the success of the 2017 cruise season in Ibiza
Eivissa
03/11/2017
Highlights of the overall success of the 2017 cruise season in Ibiza were the absence of overcrowding on the days with the highest number of tourists and the tight co-ordination that exists between the Ibiza Local Council, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands, and all agents involved in the cruise industry.
These are some of the main conclusions reached this week following the end-of-season meeting with stakeholders held at the Council’s head offices and which marks what is to date the most successful cruise season at the port of Ibiza on record. Those achievements include strengthening awareness to prevent disruptive noise caused by parties on certain cruises and organising proper and efficient distribution of guide maps.
The meeting was attended by all agents directly or indirectly connected to the cruise industry in Ibiza, such as the Harbour Master, ship agents, excursion agencies, tourist guides, transportation agents, retailers and law enforcement agencies such as the National Police and Civil Guard, among others.
Looking ahead to the challenges facing the sector in the 2018 season, some of the issues to be addressed are the scarcity of taxis in the port area, the need for improved signage for passengers who have not signed up for an on-shore excursion, greater availability of tourist guides, and improved communications with cruise lines.
Record season in number of port calls and visiting passengers
The most significant data reveal a total of 184 calls at the port of Ibiza by cruise vessels this season, a figure above the 137 that were recorded in 2016 and which is the highest in the history of this port. Likewise, the 343,813 passengers that passed through the port represent another record-breaking figure.
The maximum number of cruise vessels the port was able to host simultaneously at any point last season was 4, a situation that occurred twice, on the 6th July and 9th August. For the 2018 season, the number of calls at port is expected to drop slightly to 175, nevertheless still the second best figure after 2017. As far as the number of passengers is concerned, the maximum number is expected to amount to 310,000.
The Port of Ibiza continues to offer bonuses designed to encourage cruise vessels to call in the low season, after 12 noon and to repeat at any of the other ports in the Balearic Islands.
Good organisation scheme
This meeting between the public administration and business was first held last May in order to co-ordinate all activities in the sector and prepare for the forthcoming season. This time, the aim of the meeting was to take stock and analyse data about the number of calls and passengers during the summer months and to exchange information and views in preparation for the 2018 season.
