Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 3 2 INTERV IEW The Port Authority of Jamaica manages five cruise ports, including Montego Bay (pictured) longer in the port to enable staggered disembarkation.” These new measures to avoid dense crowds in the port could create new, more exclusive experiences for visitors. “Instead of this ‘herding’ process, I think it could result in wider tourism offerings,” says Tatham. “Many of Jamaica’s major attractions may need to reduce the number of visitors they allow, which could encourage more frequent tours and excursions with fewer people, as well as new attractions popping up. And for our visitors, it could offer a much richer experience and open their eyes to some of the less famous – but equally wonderful – offerings we have. This will also create other job opportunities, which can only be a good thing for the economy.” The Port Authority of Jamaica manages the operations of five ports: Port Antonio, Falmouth, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Royal, which opened at the start of 2020. The ports of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios can accommodate a maximum of three ships at one time and Falmouth can accommodate two, while Port Antonio and Port Royal only offer a single berth each. These single ship berths could give Jamaica the edge when it comes to providing those more exclusive, boutique experiences once cruising resumes. “There are some ports that can accommodate six ships and around 12,000 people, but you have to wonder how they will manage to separate all of them and ensure there will be no cross- contamination,” says Tatham. The new reality that is being driven by the hygiene protocols highlighted by Covid-19 and cruise lines’ interest in offering more boutique experiences could also further improve the industry’s sustainability efforts. “With the heightened sanitisation regulations in place around the world, and increased usage of single-use plastics, there could be a potential short-term step back in the industry’s work in this area,” he explains. “However, there is a generation here that is determined to be more environmentally conscious and do the right thing. The size of our ports will help us to deliver this by reducing congestion and dense crowds, and ensure we do not overwhelm – from an environmental, socially sustainable, and safe perspective. “At the end of the day, when we are past this crisis, we will hopefully be able to look back and see that lessons were learned and changes were made.” CFR