A high-power delegation of world tourism chiefs and cruise-line operators will visit Galway next month with a view to establishing the city as a major destination port.
The visiting delegation will include the head of Jamaican tourism and some of the largest cruise-line operators in the world, whose multi-billion dollar undertakings are based in Miami and operate in destination ports across the globe.
The impending visit has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh who said that if regular cruise ship arrivals happen in Galway it could be provide a €40 million annual boost to the local economy.
“Academic studies have shown that the arrival of around 50 cruise ships in Cork each year is worth over €40m to the local economy and supports more than 300 full-time jobs,” he said.
According to Dep Walsh, Galway Harbour Company has set a target of 50 cruise ships a year in Galway following the redevelopment of the port.
The delegation will be in Galway from September 23 to 26 and will meet Dep Walsh along with Fáilte Ireland executives, representatives of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Galway Harbour Company, and prospective suppliers of services to the visiting cruise ships.
Dep Walsh, who was a member of the original Strategic Development Committee that progressed the proposed redevelopment of Galway Harbour, said the visit could pave the way for the establishment of Galway as a major cruise-ship destination.
“I have always been aware of the level of interest among cruise-line operators in establishing Galway as a destination port,” he said, “and this is a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on that interest by showcasing the region.”
Dep Walsh said that docks redevelopment had the backing of the Government and that there should be no delay in bringing the project to fruition.
“Minister Varadkar was very supportive of the plan when he met with Galway Harbour Company at my request earlier this year,” he said, “and I know he sees the great potential that Galway has as a major destination port
