Alameda Botanic Gardens – Photo courtesy of Visit Gibraltar
The MedCruise Association has recognised Gibraltar’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic with one of its annual awards for excellence. In the second edition of the annual MedCruise Awards, Gibraltar was named as the “Western Mediterranean MedCruise port showing the greatest commitment during the pandemic”.
Representing the second largest cruise market in the world, the association organises the awards in several categories, “to recognise excellence in the industry for those companies, organisations and individuals who are working harder to take this industry into a challenging and competitive future”.
Responding to the announcement, minister for tourism Vijay Daryanani said, “Gibraltar is recognised as one of the leading cruise ports in the Western Mediterranean and this award, in these troubled times, further endorses our efforts to keep the Rock at the forefront of the cruise industry. Our membership of MedCruise is a vital part of our efforts to attract cruise ships to the Rock. We hope that, once the current situation eases, we will once again welcome cruise passengers to our shores.”
Added minister for the port Gilbert Licudi, “The Gibraltar Port Authority, in conjunction with HM Government of Gibraltar, has worked hard to ensure that cruise vessels have been serviced safely and efficiently during these challenging times. The introduction of protocols by the GPA at the start of the pandemic has helped to enhance the already strong relationship with the cruise industry and has allowed crew changes and technical calls to be carried out in a way that has protected both the local population and crew members alike. Gibraltar has once again demonstrated that it is a port that can be relied upon by the shipping community.”
Birdwatching in Gibraltar
Meanwhile, Gibraltar is currently showcasing its prominent status as a birdwatching and migration sport – at the UK’s largest birding event.
Gibraltar Tourist Board is exhibiting at the first Virtual Birdfair, which will run until 23 August. The Birdfair normally takes place in Rutland Waters, attracting thousands of visitors interested in birdlife in the UK and abroad. This year, virtual exhibitor “stands” include organisations and charities normally present at the live event.
Gibraltar Tourist Board is supported by Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS). The society is contributing to online lecture events on 18 August which will form part of a library of recorded lectures available to watch for three months after the fair.
Other events at the fair include “Why the 2020s need to be the decade of nature’s recovery” with Craig Bennett and the “Self-isolating Bird Club – A Birdfair Special” with TV wildlife celebrity Chris Packham, as well as a wide range of key topics covering the worlds of conservation, wildlife and eco-tourism.
“Gibraltar is one of the most important spots for birdwatching and bird migration,” said tourism minister Vijay Daryanani. “In these challenging times, when many visitors are seeking outdoor activities, our strength in this niche market highlights the richness of Gibraltar’s tourism product. The great work carried out by the ministry of the environment and the GONHS helps us to promote Gibraltar as a leading destination in this field.”
Birdwatching is just one of Gibraltar’s many activities for nature lovers. Find out more about the Rock’s other main tourist attractions here.
