News

Despite the global economic downturn, some growth in cruise tourism is likely for next year, the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB) has predicted.  Cruise tourism to the Falklands has been growing at an average annual rate of 13.9 percent since 2000, however next season it is predicted that only a 1 percent increase will be achieved.  According to Jake Downing, General Manager of FITB, the cruise industry is facing challenges such as operating costs at ports, fuel restrictions in Antarctica and other regional issues.  However despite these challenges FITB is still focussing on small growth for the 2009/10 season.

New research published by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB) puts an estimated value of £1,122,000 per year on domestic tourism.  The estimate was made following a telephone survey that was carried out during March, which enabled FITB to estimate that 11,500 domestic trips are taken by Falkland Islanders a year, anything from visiting relations in Camp to a weekend in one of the lodges or a local camping trip.  ”The results are extremely encouraging” said Jake Downing, General Manager of FITB.

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New posts of Director of Health and Education and Director of Procurement and Efficiency have been created and the Falkland Islands Government is searching for suitable applicants.  A recent Review of Government, carried out by Chief Executive Dr Tim Thorogood, has resulted in a new top tier of management, which will make Government more efficient and cost-effective.  The director posts provide some of the best jobs in the world: a single organisation covering every aspect of public service on a small scale means directors range from national policy making to operational details within a few minutes. With little external regulation, there is real scope for policy making and innovation, providing opportunities that are hard to match.  If you have drive and initiative, coupled with a clear record of achievement in relevant fields, and a sense of adventure, then click here for more information: www.publicappointments.org.uk/falklandislands.

The newly appointed Chief of Joint Operations (UK) Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach KCB CBE has enjoyed a busy, week-long visit to the Falklands.  On arrival, Air Marshal Peach headed straight out to HMS Manchester via Lynx helicopter, where he was given a naval capability presentation and a short and medium range gunnery demonstration.  905 EAW then provided an air capability demonstration with a C130 Hercules followed by an F3 Tornado running an attack profile as part of an air defence exercise.  Both the Ground Defence Force and Roulement Infantry Company also gave excellent demonstrations before Air Marshal Peach was invited to open the newly refurbished NAAFI all ranks bar, the Gull and Penguin.

The Fly Navy Heritage Trust has hosted a launch of Fly Navy postage stamps from the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands at HMS President in London to mark the Centenary of Naval Aviation.  A number of veterans and air crew whose aircraft had been depicted on the various stamps were in attendance, as well as families of Victoria Cross winners and naval aviators from several generations.  The Falkland Islands series has four stamps and a souvenir sheet that depict the naval aircraft that have flown over the area since 1982. The series also highlights the close link between the Royal Marines and the Islands by showing several of the aircraft of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, which flew extensively during the Falklands War of 1982.

Representatives of oil companies intending to drill in North and South basins around the Falkland Islands say they are as confident as they can be in an exploration setting and that they will be successful in their endeavour to recover oil in commercial quantities.   Eleven representatives from Desire Petroleum, Argos Resources, Rockhopper Exploration, BHP Billiton and Borders and Southern Petroleum spent between five and seven days in the Falklands last week.  The companies are actively seeking a drilling rig.  The oil companies’ representatives spent their time in the Falklands talking to Government officials, HE the Governor of the Falklands and members of the Islands’ business community.  They also attended a public meeting on the subject of the Environmental Impact Assessment.  Mr Sam Moody, Managing Director of Rockhopper Exploration, commented: “We had a very positive reaction at the public meeting.  Everyone seemed very pleased with the amount of in depth planning we have undertaken.”