By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Denmark’s Port of Roenne expects a 45% increase in the number of cruise lines visiting in 2018.
This year, cruise lines will make a total of 47 calls to Roenne, bringing around 22,374 passengers to the island of Bornholm – a rise from 26 calls and 12,441 people in 2017. Numbers are expected to rise again in 2019 when the port will be extended to allow it to accommodate larger cruise vessels up to 359 metres in length.
The Port of Roenne is preparing the local community for the increased number of tourists. The strategic union of local cooperative companies and organisations is working closely together within the Cruise Bornholm Network.
“When the Port of Roenne in mid-October 2017 announced that it had started the first phase of the harbour’s four extensions, we put some turbo on the strategic work at the Cruise Bornholm Network,” said Pernille Kofod Lydolph, CEO of Destination Bornholm. “This means that we are already in dialogue with the local cultural institutions and companies regarding infrastructure and the quality upgrading of the guides. The network is focused on increasing the capacity and quality of the guide and infrastructure area.”
Port of Roenne will also continue to promote the port and destination at industry events. This year, it attended a cruise conference in London, UK, which was organised by Cruise Lines International Association and highlighted the increased interest in cruising as a convenient form of transport.
“It was a great pleasure for us to find out that the shipping companies already know our beautiful island, Bornholm, and the many possibilities we have as a destination,” said Thomas Bendtsen, CEO of Port of Roenne. “The fact that in June 2019, we will be ready to receive the big vessels up to approximately 350 metres has certainly been an eye-opener for many. Now we have what it takes to provide customers with a good experience on all parameters.”