MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands tourism record: 4.053 visitors in one day

Jetty Visitor Centre, Stanley (FITB)

A new record was set for Falkland Islands tourism last week, with 4,053 visitors arriving on board cruise ships on Friday February 6, confirmed Jake Downing, General Manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB).

This outstripped the previous record day of 3,779 which took place on December 4, 2007. Three ships arrived in Stanley on Friday: the Celebrity Infinity, Spirit of Adventure and Norwegian Sun. "Despite the large numbers, everything ran very smoothly and we'd like to thank the local residents for being so patient with the congestion in Stanley", said Downing. "Visitor feedback was excellent, with a large proportion saying they'd consider coming back here again". Downing said visitor numbers so far for this season were up 26% overall on last year, the growth being down to the worldwide boom in cruising, which is currently the fastest growing tourism sector in the world, and more specifically due to the popularity of South America and Antarctica as cruising destinations. But despite the current success, FITB isn't resting on its laurels. "We're all too aware of the slowing economy and how it might affect next season", says Mr Downing. "So the teams at FITB are working hard to develop new opportunities to market ourselves, and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline including a website overhaul and attendance at some important international exhibitions." Tuesday of this week was also a busy day, with the arrival of frequent visitor Star Princess. Jackie Summers of SeAled PR, who was at the Jetty Centre on Stanley seafront, said, "Cruise ship tourists were treated to a low flying display from Royal Air Force aircraft when they twice dipped low over the crowded Jetty Centre. It was great, a very dramatic display. The tourists were all scrabbling for their cameras." While visitors might have been slightly startled by the unexpected low flying aircraft, Islanders are ever enthusiastic about such obvious displays of the strength of British Defence of the Falklands. Another resident working in the cruise ship arrivals car-park commented light-heartedly, "All visitors from anywhere in the world, including Argentina, are very welcome to visit the Falklands, we're extremely proud of our way of life and our amazing wildlife, but we can't help a little smile of pride when the RAF fly over on days when we know there are lots of Argentine nationals on the ship in the harbour." By Lisa Johnson – Stanley

Categories: Tourism, Mercosur.

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