PPM plans to cap cruise numbers
(CNS): Moses Kirkconnell
Moses Kirkconnell (PPM): Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman MLA, Deputy Premier, Minister of District Administration, Tourism and Transport (DATT). Biography: Kirkconnell was first elected... More has announced plans to review the future of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands and cap the numbers of passengers allowed to come into George Town. With the majority of ships not expected back at sea until 2022, the current tourism minister has said that, if he is returned to that job next month, a new Progressive-led government will limit visitor numbers in an effort to complement the stay-over sector.
In another complete U-turn on the party’s historic position on cruise tourism and after several years battling against the public desire for a referendum on a cruise dock, the minister claimed that the Alliance had a plan that would rebuild overnight tourism and allow a phased gradual return of cruise tourism.
Speaking at the launch of the Progressive Party manifesto at the car park of Al Thompson’s hardware store, the outgoing deputy premier said that there are no plans for a cruise berthing facility in the manifesto. However, there would be a gradual return of cruise visitors, he said, and government would create a strategy to deal with the changes in the sector as a result of COVID-19, which would involve the evolution of the industry and the safety aspect.
“The protocols will allow for everyone to remain comfortable and to reintroduce cruise back into our economy,” he said, adding that the health protocols would continue to be reviewed. “Our priority will always be the protection of the Caymanian people, those that reside here and our future visitors. Currently we are proposing that a cap on cruise visitors be established.”
He said this would be managed by the port authority to eliminate any surprises and ensure efficiency.
“The strategic focus to support the return of cruise would be to work with cruise lines who meet our passenger profile to control the number of persons into the destination,” he said, adding that excursions would be focused on activities that would not negatively impact overnight guests.
Responding to what has long been a public concern that cruise tourism is overwhelming and undermining the far more lucrative stay-over business, Kirkconnell said, “We want the two to mix and we want them to complement each other and not to compete for space with each other. The goal is to manage cruise for the benefit of all Caymanians,” the MP For Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman added.
He also recommitted to the premier’s announcement that the tourism stipend will be increased to $2,000 for as long as the tourism sector is adversely affected and while the government rebuilds the business.
Category: Election News
