Cruise quay would benefit our economy
The recent presentations of the proposed various port extensions were in my opinion well done, especially with the inclusion of the video showing what each development would look like.
I did, however, find it disappointing that there was very little mention of the possibility of allowing visiting cruise liners to moor alongside a quay. For years we have been told that Guernsey is considered to be the favourite destination in Europe of liners but that is when the weather allows them to come and unload their passengers by tender.
The year 2019 in that respect was particularly bad with at least 15 visits having to be cancelled. It is not only the loss of business for island traders that should be considered but the fact that thousands of passengers who had paid a lot of money for their cruise are left disappointed, many probably having booked that particular cruise so that they could see the island.
Liners coming to the island result in thousands of passengers being given detailed information about Guernsey at no advertising cost to the island, in the hope that many will see what they like and plan to return for a future holiday.
When the various options to extend the ports are discussed by deputies at the appropriate States meeting I would urge them to choose an option to allow liners to berth alongside a quay. It might not be the cheapest option but they should follow the example of their ancestor deputies in 1851 who, after years of discussion about plans and financing, bit the bullet and built the St Peter Port harbour which has served us so well since then. And I am sure that it was not the cheapest option being discussed at that time.
TONY MCDADE
Rocque Es Roussee
Vale
