Saaremaa's Lack of Popularity as Cruise Destination Disappoints Planners
Despite high hopes that Saaremaa would become a magnet for cruise travellers, only one cruise ship has visited the island so far this summer. The owners of the wharfs originally built for cruise traffic now want to use them for cargo ships, but the local community opposes the plan.
Since 2006, when the government invested roughly 14 million euros to build the Port of Saaremaa, only 37 cruise ships have visited the island, reported Eesti Päevaleht.
"We presumed that Saaremaa would attract tourists, but that has not been realized to any significant extent,” said Ain Kaljurand, CEO of the Port of Tallinn, which owns the island port.
The owners have long tried to expand the Port of Saaremaa for use by merchant ships, but local residents are collecting signatures in an online campaign opposing such developments.
The Environmental Board has also opposed efforts to expand, refusing to authorize a development plan in June.