The first cruise liner of the season will arrive in Ibiza on March 6th and Umafisa, the company which looks after reservations for docking here, has predicted an increased demand for berthing because of the opening of the new Botafoc dyke.
The structure, which protects the marina from high seas, will enable much bigger vessels to use the facilities here and Umafisa envisages at least 150 cruisers visiting in 2003, more than double last year's number.
The company would like the tourist and port authorities here to make a great ceremony of the opening of the dyke this month by inviting representatives of all the cruise companies, operators, and agents to see for themselves the benefits provided.
A promotional event like this can only be good for the island as cruise passengers, though only here for a short while, do tend to spend more than the average tourist. And every cent is needed, because the dyke's construction has cost €50 million, €12 million more than the original budget!