By
Rebecca Gibson |
Orkney’s cruise ship industry generates almost £3.1 million for the local economy each year, according to a recent survey conducted by Orkney Islands Council.
The study, which included the responses of 2,511 passengers and 659 crew who docked in Orkney on ten ships between 21 May and 27 September, indicated that in total, passengers spent around £2.25 million and crew spent around £61.6 thousand while onshore or touring the county in 2013. On average, each individual cruise passenger spent around £46, while crew members spent about £8.30 when onshore. More than half of these purchases were crafts and souvenirs, while 44% were purchases in restaurants and bars and a further 20.8% on clothing.
“The overall economic gain to Orkney of almost £3.1 million, through harbour dues, passenger tours, and spending at tourist sites and on the high street, is a fantastic achievement in the current hard financial times,” said Councillor James Stockan, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee. “We should all feel proud that the county continues to attract cruise ships in today’s competitive climate and that we send people away with a smile on their face, good words for the county and in many cases, a determination to return.”
Visitors were also asked to rate their overall experience in Orkney, highlighting the friendliness of residents, courtesy of shop staff and local transport options as the most positive aspects. In addition, the meet and greet shoreside welcome provided by the local council and tour operators and the county’s historic sites and museums were revealed as highlights.
Overall, 97% of passengers indicated that their visit met or exceeded their expectations, while 90% of the 51,000 cruise passengers who visited Orkney in 2013 said they would recommend the destination to friends and family. In addition, 23% said they would like to return.