Huelva aims to improve customer services, shorex and facilities for visiting cruise passengers
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The port authority of Huelva has established a new working committee to boost cruise tourism in the Spanish city of Huelva.
The Huelva Cruise Network was formed during a meeting of 50 representatives from various organisations operating in the cruise industry.
Chaired by Manuela de Paz, the president of the port authority, the meeting focused on developing strategies to promote the port, the city of Huelva, and its possible shore excursion options to major cruise companies.
Participants analysed the strategies other ports have used to attract cruise visitors, offer differentiated shore excursion programmes, and improve customer service in the port, as well as in the city’s restaurants, ships, cafés and other tourist spots.
Discussions also focused on improving tour guide training, exploring the feasibility of distributing trained volunteers at key points around the city, and providing tourists with maps and brochures about Huelva while on their ships. This includes a new map produced by the City of Huelva, which features detailed information about the key attractions, popular restaurants and products.
The group also explored how to improve the welcome and departure procedures at the port by offering musical performances, historical reenactments or enabling visitors to sample local foods from Huelva.
To achieve these aims, the group formed the Huelva Cruise Network, a working committee that includes representatives from Huelva’s Maritime Authority, the port authority, tourism companies, the city’s transportation group, the City of Huelva, the tourist board, Onubense Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation, shipping agents, shipping companies, guides, agents of the State Security Forces, and other institutions.
Together these representatives will also work to promote the geographical location of the port, the available infrastructure for visiting ships and the low costs for shipping and services.
In 2015, Huelva will handle eight cruise ships carrying a total of almost 10,000 passengers and crew, while 13 vessels are scheduled to call in 2016.