The tourism industry is apparently alive and well in Gibraltar. This was evidenced yesterday when, according to the Gibraltar Chronicle, the cruise ships Independence of the Seas and Grand Princess disgorged 4,200 and 2,900 passengers respectively onto the streets of Gibraltar. Landings of cruise ships are up 8% this year and next year already has 190 scheduled stops. The Gibraltar government is expanding and modernising the cruise terminal this year.

In April this year Gibraltar agreed to allow on-board casinos to open after 6pm, encouraging longer stays in port if the ships no longer had to reach international waters before opening their casinos. This new legislation is expected to come into force soon. The initiative is expected to bring increased business to Gibraltar, with passengers and off-duty crew members able to go ashore in the evening.

At the time Deputy Chief Minister Joe Holliday commented, "I was extremely pleased with the reaction of the cruise lines to this incentive, as it is a win-win situation for everybody. The cruise operators can offer more tours to their passengers, offer more time ashore to their off-duty crews and importantly save fuel which is their top priority at present, while Gibraltar will benefit from having ships extend their stay into the evening." (E-07.27.11)

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