OIC Awards Meet and Greet Tender
Published: 30 March 2010
The Mckenzie Wilson Network Partnership Group has been awarded the tender for a Cruise Ship ‘Meet and Greet' service for the period 2010-2011 by Orkney Islands Council.
The Mckenzie Partnership have extensive experience in tourism and event projects including Sail Scotland Ltd, Cruise Scotland Alliance, Marine Village development for Pacific Quay Developments in Glasgow and Ancestral Tourism for the Scottish Borders region.
The Council has recognised the importance of giving the same professional level of welcome and service to passengers who do not go on tour as they are viewed as equally important as touring passengers to the Orkney economy.
The Meet and Greet service will be marketed under the Mckenzie Partnerships ‘Welcome Ashore' brand and will incorporate an extensive co coordinated agenda menu including liaison with local businesses and entertainment venues, shuttle bus and taxi logistics, pre arrival tourism information for cruise ships and visible staff on the piers and streets of Kirkwall and Stromness to provide updated information and tourism advice during the port call.
The Mckenzie Wilson Partnerships senior partner Mr. Jim Wilson, who is a former Chief Executive of the West Highlands Tourist Board and former Sales Manager with P& O Cruises, said ‘' I have admired the size of the Orkney Cruise operation for some time and am delighted to put together a team of local Orcadians to provide what I am sure will be a first class Meet and Greet service for cruise ship passengers. I intend to use all local talent and to also extend the service providers to local tourism students and those interested in forging a career in tourism ''
The cruise industry in Orkney is growing at a steady pace with 71 ships due to arrive this year against 61 last year. Hoy is attracting interest from some of the smaller explorer vessels and will receive its first port call this year with interest being expressed for both Hoy and Rousay for the 2011 season.
Marine Services Business Development Manager Michael Morrison commented...With the languaged tour guide course for cruise now under way and our Meet and Greet service in place for the next 2 years at least, we can now maintain our competitive advantage against other Scottish Ports for cruise ship revenues. With 34 ships already booked for 2011, it promises to be a record breaking season.
