Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
John some good close ups there she sure looks great in the sunshine,I don't know john those eyes and Lips certainly give it a distinctive look.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
Visit Kent as they say by the name is lots of people/groups/organisations pushing the County.When I work down the Cruise Terminal we get asked for Information on Canterbury London Dover as well as other popular places.
This information is really designed to the Independent traveller as those pre booked on coach trips dont want or need our infomation.We do promote Dover but being so close to Canterbury and London then obviously many people want to go there.
The Visit Kent team are all local people who have an excellent Knowledge of Kent,as we work for them,but we always push the Town, Bus Tour as well as the Castle.These visitors take Cruises to see various place in different Countries,we are a major Cruise Port that is close to Canterbury and London,so if people want these places you are not going to talk them into visiting Dover.But anyone that just wants to visit local sites as we live here we know them and we give everyone a Dover Guide with a map showing all there is in Dover.If someone wants to visit Dover Castle they will but with the Tour Bus stopping off in the Market Square they may stop look around have a meal or a drink do a bit of shopping etc.
Our advantage being a Port near Canterbury and London of course is a disadvantage as well,because people want to go to these places because of what they offer.Most cruises that go to the Baltic will stop off at a port and say the nearest place for Berlin,why because it is a tourist town.We have the same problem London and Canterbury are world famous Tourist Towns and I am afraid Dover is not in the same league,but many many independent tourists just want to get off the ship and have a walk around or visit the Castle.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
john
year on year more cruise passengers walk into town rather than being ripped off with expensive coach tours.
i do not have actual figures, just what i see with my own eyes.
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
Sorry Brian, it was me not you
Alexander told me what to do to get it right and it worked.
Mind you, now John's put his photos up I wish I hadn't bothered lol. Lovely photos John, as always
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 718- Registered: 28 Jun 2011
- Posts: 195
We mustn't forget the other two main attractions in the region for the coach excursions, Leeds Castle and Sandwich - equally popular with the cruise passengers because these, like the Castle, is the image of Britain that they want to see. Sadly the town cannot provide the same degree of appeal, and my opinion is formed by having listened to these people for many years now.
One of the success stories from Dover's cruise business must be the Open Top Bus Co., without which far less a number would get to either the town or the Castle.
I would also praise the Visit Kent team for the splendid work they do.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
jacqui,thats ok,dont worry about it.just thought i was going senial in my old age.
.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Next is the MSC Lirica on Saturday - we might try and catch a few peope at the Shaft
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Ah yes indeed..had just come on this thread to let people know and Scotchie is right on the money there..the MSC Lirica is in, a fine ship sleek and cool, but clearly being met by a very grey Dover at the moment. It has been one of our regular visitors for a number of years now, but first time today for the new season.
Cracking pictures of the Aida Luna John.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
even on such a gloomy day she still looked great from the heights.
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
Smashing pix of the beautiful Aida Luna John
Keep your photos coming in Jacqui, they are always so lovely and its great to have such variety, after all what is it they say 'Variety is the Spice of Life'
The cruise liners always look Fabulous in brilliant sunshine but the MSC Lirica above still manages to look soooo cool in the gloom
Nice pic Howard
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
There appeared to be plenty of passengers and crew from the Lirica in town today. It's just a shame things can't be more organised in the town to give these people some form of welcome. Perhaps the "Town Team" could organise some sort of welcome poster that could be put up in shop windows, e.g. "Dover welcomes MSC Lirica" (in various languages would be even more positive). It doesn't have to be expensive, just something that says we welcome this trade and we want more of it! Of course, more shops accepting the Euro/Dollar would be an even bigger draw, but I know that would be slightly more complicated.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Hi Kevin
I have written a Tourism Strategy, a Plan of Action for Dover Town and a paper on how to bring a successful street-market to Dover.
If you'd like me to send you a copy of each of them, just email me (lindenrog@aol.com)
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
as kevin said no shortage of cruise visitors in town today, the bus was running nearly full, thanfully the fountain looked its best when they were waiting for the bus.
roger's tourism strategy is well worth a read, his e mail address is above.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I have been getting a strong feeling over the last few weeks that things are looking up on the tourism front. Our rooms during the last few weeks have been 30% busier than the same time last year and over this weekend we have seen visitors from UK, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Australia, Germany, Belarus ,Taiwan, Poland and Kazakhstan.
Correction - the Australians were in fact Kiwis sent by Barry W-S, for which many thanks Barry!
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I now have to add Finland to the list.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
That sounds very good indeed. Here's hoping! Dover has so much to offer.
Roger - I am emailing you.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
that sounds very european peter,apart from australia and taiwan.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
Yes that sounds like good news there Peter...lets hope they keep coming. The AIDA Luna is in again today. They had a rough night out there in the channel so bet they are glad to be docked for a while, the passengers will enjoy terra firma.
Hopefully they will enjoy the Bronze age boat display and sppend a few pounds in the cafes and shops
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
You're more than welcome Peter, there were over 1,950 Germans, 67 Danish, 2 Kiwi's, 4 from the US of A and 14 Italians, rare for an Italian ship.
