Pat Ward highlights Dublin Port Company's plans for the event, which will be held from 31 May to 2 June
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Why is Dublin an ideal host city for the Cruise Europe 2016 conference?
Dublin Port Company is very privileged to have secured a role as host of Cruise Europe for the first time. It’s very timely that the conference is being held here this year because we’ve recently received planning permission for our €230 million Alexandra Basin Redevelopment project, which will have a significant impact on Dublin’s cruise industry. As part of this project, we’re improving the port’s infrastructure to allow us to bring the world’s biggest cruise ships into the berth closest to the city centre. Once the work is complete, we’ll be able to accommodate two 360m cruise ships and a 220m vessel simultaneously, and more in our other berths.
What are your key priorities in your role as host for Cruise Europe?
My aim is for Dublin to host the best Cruise Europe conference to date and I’ve no doubt we’ll achieve that aim. We’ve chosen the Gibson Hotel as the venue because it provides a backdrop to the port of Dublin.
How will the port work with Dublin City Council to showcase the city as a cruise destination?
We have several special treats in store for the delegates throughout their stay, starting with dinner and a tour at Malahide Castle on the eve of the conference. Following the first day of meetings, delegates will take an open-top bus tour of Dublin before heading to the Guinness Storehouse. Here, we will take a short tour, then enjoy a drinks reception, dinner and live entertainment. On Wednesday, the conference will take place in the Gibson Hotel, then the executives will be invited to the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham for dinner and live entertainment from Dublin’s best performers.
What impact will hosting the conference have on the growth of Dublin’s cruise industry?
Hosting the conference gives Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council the opportunity to showcase why people come to Dublin to experience our strong cultural traditions, the warmth of the welcoming Irish people, our rich history, the good food – and of course the Guinness! Cruise line executives will be able to see firsthand exactly what makes Dublin a marquee port. They will be able to learn more about the type of shore excursions we can offer to their passengers if they choose to berth or homeport their ships in our city. We can also highlight Dublin’s homeporting potential.