Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 2 7 begin in August 2021 with a view to be completed in 2022. “This is a priority project identified in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan to support our business growth,” said Rees. The port also plans to implement a series of industry best practices outlined in its recently developed Ground Transportation Manual, before cruise operations resume in the coming months. The document, which was created by Galveston’s first head of mobility – Julio De Leon – aims to promote consistently high-quality, safe and convenient ground transportation services within the port. De Leon was appointed in July 2019 to manage the planning, business development and operations of parking and ground transportation in the port. According to Rees, over the past 12 months, De Leon has “championed a number of advances to improve the customer experience and make our business more profitable”. For example, the port has installed automated parking access at its cruise car parks, developed branding for these car parks and improved directional signage, and increased maintenance in these areas with restriping and other improvements. And Rees believes that these projects have already had an effect on the port’s revenues. “In 2019, cruise parking revenues totalled $8.1 million, an increase of $510,000 over 2018,” he said. “During the same period, ground transportation providers paid $1.06 million in cruise terminal access fees, an increase of $170,000.” While ports worldwide address their internal challenges and prepare for when passengers can return, the industry is still left wondering when the latter might be. “Cruise lines will sail again when the time is right, and that timing will be based on a number of factors, including, most importantly, input from scientists and medical experts,” said Rees. Whether this happens in 2020 or 2021, Rees believes that the cruise industry, and Galveston in particular, will weather the storm. “I have great confidence that the cruise industry will recover from this unprecedented challenge because the cruise lines are responsible operators and because people love to cruise,” he said. “They enjoy the experience, the value and the convenience. “I also believe that Galveston’s cruise business will be back stronger than ever because we draw from a huge drive- to market of repeat cruise passengers and because people enjoy visiting our beautiful island.” CFR The Port of Galveston has been preparing for the return of cruise ships such as Disney Wonder (pictured) “I have great confidence that the cruise industry will recover from this unprecedented challenge”