This year 10 cruise liners will call into Portland, with the first two already having visited the Port at the beginning of May. Portland may be the only UK port of call on many of the cruise calls itineraries, which means that passengers may only be carrying Euros. Ian McQuade, General Manager (Commercial), said: "Local businesses are advised that many cruise passengers may ask to pay for items using their Euros; if people are willing to accept this currency it will greatly benefit our visitors on the day."
This years cruise calls will bring an additional 10,000 visitors to the area. Portland Port will be providing passengers with a complimentary shuttle bus service into Weymouth, where it is hoped that local shops, restaurants and general entertainment facilities will accept the Euro on the day of the influx of tourists.
A variety of retail outlets in Weymouth Town Centre have so far benefited from the influx of cruise passengers. From buying shoes and cosmetics to purchasing souvenirs, the foreign visitors have bought about an increase in shop sales on the day of their call at Portland. Sarah Walton, Assistant Manager of Clarks in Weymouth said: "We noticed a higher influx of customers on the day of the cruise calls and it most definitely resulted in an increased turnover on the day. We will certainly be welcoming more cruise passengers to the shop in the coming months."
Suzanne Logan, Manager of Reiker in Weymouth said: "The day of the cruise calls resulted in some phenomenal takings. It was great to serve people of all different nationalities. The more cruise calls the better."
The remaining eight cruise calls for 2012 will call into the Port between June and September. Ian added: "2012 sees the biggest cruise season to date at the Port and 2013 is set to be even better. With such big numbers of cruise guests hopefully local shops will continue to notice an increase in their sales on the days a cruise ship is in port."
