Hello All, I am currently working on a Research Project for my university degree. I have been tasked to provide a report and recommendations to Shetland Islands Council in regards to a new leisure/tourism development within the islands. As part of this research process I am required to carry out a certain amount of public consultation in regards to the tourism/leisure development that I intend to recommend. I have put together a proposal and I would like to hear your views and opinions on the viability of my development. Please note, this is a hypothetical situation, purely for the purposes of the Destination Management Research Project. I thank you in advance for your assistance. The report proposes a major development at Lerwick Harbour to allow for the berthing of cruise ships at the harbour. The development will be a cruise ship terminal similar to those seen in other ports which have a high number of cruise ship visits per year. Currently, any ship over 205 meters in length can only anchor in the adjacent bay and passengers are transferred to the harbour by launch. Ships under 205 meters in length are berthed at various berths within Lerwick Harbour (Lerwick Port Authority, 2010) The report feels that the development of a purpose-built cruise ship terminal able to berth large vessels would be of an advantage to the harbour and town. The terminal building would also house the necessary facilities including UK border services as required. It is also anticipated that the terminal building could house catering services and retail spaces for local companies. This development would assist in meeting the needs of the growing number of visiting cruise ships to the small harbour. The hope would be that the new terminal would allow for a proper Shetland welcome and would be ergonomic in all weathers. The retail space would be made available to local businesses to give a real taste of Shetland to cruise ship passengers.
