|
International
cargo is handled by the El Guamache international port here in Margarita, which
amid the demand for a cruise ship port has served as a temporary cruise ship terminal.
Puerto de la Mar, Isla Margarita's Cruise ship port of call and mixed-use commercial
and tourist development, will soon be available for all cruise liners in Porlamar.
"Puerto de la
Mar has the only concession for the construction operation, and administration
of the port of cruise ships of Margarita," said Folco Riccio, president of Puerto
de la Mar. He also explained that this contract of 50 years was granted by the
Cabinet of Ministers from the past government, ratified by President Hugo Chavez,
and signed by Capt. Luis Ramon Reyes, ex-minister of transportation and communications.
The port's ownership is divided into 75 percent private – including participation
of Grupo Rattan and Conferry – and 25 percent from the Santiago Mariño municipality,
where Porlamar is located. Puerto de la Mar will have state-of-the-art services,
anchorage for cruise vessels and a fleet of tender boats. The
port estimates it will bring 600,000 new tourists per year to the duty-free market.
This provides the incentive for the urban and economic revitalization of Porlamar.
With a Festival Marketplace motive, the Plaza de la Mar will welcome cruise ship
passengers arriving in tender boats from the ships that will be docked at Porlamar's
waterfront. Tourists
will soon enjoy cafes, restaurants, designer stores and cultural entertainment,
among other things. Professional tour operators will be ready to offer the cruise
passengers day trips to explore the attractions in the islands and in the rest
of Venezuela. Phase one of the port is expected to be completed next December,
to continue with subsequent phases that will include a commercial center and a
five-star hotel. Although
there have been talks of other cruise ship ports, none have followed through,
given the necessary environmental conditions. However, the island has an incredible
potential for marinas. The Hilton Marina is in the heart of Costa Azul and an
El Yaque entrepreneur, Victor Matins, is developing a project there. | 
Also
if you are very interested in moving to Margarita Island or investing in a vacational
condominium may we recommend a friend that we personally know and highly recommend
to help you with more Real Estate information. 
