- An increasing number of cruise ship companies have pledged to offer sustainable tourism after officials in Bruges announced a cap.
- Firms forced to switch up their sailing schedules so they moor in the week, as opposed to weekends, to spread out the crowds.
- The shore excursion programs are designed carefully to minimize disruption to the local community while generating a positive economic impact while preserving its heritage.
According to an article published in Express UK, cruise ship companies face a crackdown after officials in Bruges announced a cap.
Change in plans
Cruise ship tourism faces a cull in the beautiful canal town of Bruges after local authorities suggested it was becoming tourist-saturated akin to “Disneyland.” Proposals to limit the number of visitors, in particular day-trippers, to the Belgian city were announced earlier this month.
Up to 1.8 million British nationals visit Belgium every year, and the stark warning over the UNESCO World Heritage Site came from Dirk De Fauw, the elected mayor of Bruges since 2018. Zeebrugge port can accommodate five cruise ships at a time, yet now this will be limited to one or two per day.
Forced to switch calling schedules
Firms may also be forced to switch up their sailing schedules so they moor in the week, as opposed to weekends, to spread out the crowds.
Speaking of the proposed significant changes., the Cruise Line International Association told Express.co.uk they would make a pledge to “sustainable” tourism.
Need for sustainable tourism
They said: “The cruise industry accounts for around three percent of total tourism to Bruges, and whilst we are a small part of the overall mix, we want to be a large part of finding a sustainable solution to ensure the city works for both residents and visitors. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to destination sustainability.”
They further added, “That’s why CLIA is actively partnering with local stakeholders including destination mayors, local government, travel and tourism businesses, local NGOs and others to address immediate concerns, as well as collaborate on long-term planning.”
Potential impact to be assessed
Talking of a potential impact on sailing schedules, they added: “CLIA cruise lines have well-planned itineraries (usually more than a year in advance) that deliver passengers at known and regular times to destinations. Their shore excursion programs are designed carefully to minimize disruption to the local community while generating a positive economic impact. The cruise industry recognizes that Bruges is a unique destination, and the cruise industry is committed to protecting its cultural heritage and safeguarding its sustainability.”
Control tourist influx
Britons also access the picture-perfect destination by Eurostar, changing at Brussels. At the time, the crackdown plans came as a huge shock to tourists.
As reported in Local newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad, Mayor Dirk said: “We have to control the influx more if we don’t want it to become a complete Disneyland here.”
He added: “We have to aim for quality tourism, people who stay here for a few days, eat well, visit museums.”
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Source: ExpressUK
