A quickly publicized day excursion from Guadeloupe is reported as an indication of the appeal Montserrat has as an intriguing, mysterious destination, even for its neighbors.
A ZJB report says that tourism officials, taxi and tour operators, arts and craft vendors and the small business community here last Saturday welcomed the maiden voyage of the Jean paradise Ferry to Montserrat.
Leisure tours as well as historic sites and the traditional foods that were on offer, as is customary the viewing of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Scriber’s Adventure Tours and the unique Montserratian hospitality were some of the attractions that caught the interest of the tourists.
A report from the Department of Tourism says: “It also shows that we need not look only to anglophone Caribbean for day visitors. From the time they approached Plymouth, the Guadeloupeans with cameras held to their eyes were engaged. The disembarking was not entirely smooth as the plan to dock at Plymouth was made at the last minute, but thank goodness they did. Their two-hour trip was immediately rewarded at the sight of Town.
“Not only had Immigration made sure that documentation was filled out and forwarded in advance, so our near 450 visitors need not wait, but francophones residing on-island – expatriates like our many French Canadians, our European volunteers and resident Haitians – ensured that communication was not a barrier. It was a beautiful thing to witness their efforts made to ensure that this visit would be a success, and be the first of many for the year. Our francophones rallied to our call – at the MVO, at UWI’s cultural exchange, and on our island tours. As Aqua Montserrat’s clever T-shirts read: “Keep Calm and Parle Français”.
“Montserratians also got to see that our tourists come in different complexions, and still spend and appreciate the landscape, art, and food. Goat water was a hit, at People’s Place and the National Trust. Our tour operators who came out, RTT, Scriber’s Adventures, Namcas and Runaway Travel, all had a piece of the pie and were able to spread it around.
“We look forward to welcoming the Guadeloupeans at Little Bay next time and to up the ante on this wonderful, heartwarming experience.
While on Montserrat Jean Paradise Tours and RTT travel and Tours arranged several events from the visitors ranging from excursion with local guides, volcano viewing, bus tours and biking activities, meantime Ronda Boatswain owner of RTT Travel and Tours catered to approximately 140 of the more than 400 tourists. Miss Boatswain was excited about what the trip did for Montserrat.
The plan is to discover another place you know, every day we are going to Dominica, further France, Mari…., Today is the first time you know, our goal is to offer a new trip for our customers.
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