Tourism minister calls for UK cruise growth as Clia hosts summit

UK tourism minister Stephanie Peacock MP today reaffirmed government support for cruise growth as industry leaders were in the Port of Tyne for Clia’s Cruise Tourism Summit.

 

The summit united cruise leaders, UK government representatives, ports and tourism organisations and featured a programme that explored ways that cruise can expand economic opportunity and strengthen regional tourism.

 

In her address, the minister highlighted the sector’s role in the wider visitor economy and noted that the UK remains the world’s third-largest cruise source market.

 

She also spoke about the opportunities the sector creates across tourism, hospitality, maritime services, supply chains and travel agencies nationwide.

 

She said: “The cruise industry is an integral part of the UK’s visitor economy, driving growth, creating jobs and supporting high streets and businesses across all four nations.

 

“In the UK Cruise Growth Plan published last year, we set out our shared vision of how we can ensure the sector can sustain its role as a powerful engine of economic activity and thrive long into the future.

 

“Building on the success of the sector, we remain committed to supporting the UK’s visitor economy as a whole. That’s why we are developing a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy which will provide a clear, long-term plan to unlock investment, support businesses and increase visitor flows across England.”

 

In 2024, cruise generated £6.3 billion for the UK economy – including direct, indirect and induced output – while supporting 69,000 jobs.

 

Speakers at the summit stressed the need to maintain a competitive operating environment because cruise lines make long-term deployment and investment decisions worldwide.

 

They also discussed how the UK can strengthen its position in the global cruise market and increase economic impact in the years ahead.

 

Matthew Dass, Tourism Economics director, presented Clia’s latest economic impact data, demonstrating cruise’s growing role in supporting local and regional economies.

 

The summit programme highlighted the northeast of England and its expanding role in the UK cruise market and delegates attended a launch reception hosted by the Port of Tyne, where commercial director Craig Morton welcomed guests to Newcastle.

 

Sessions onboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral brought together cruise executives, policymakers and destination leaders, with remarks from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ chief executive Samantha Stimpson, Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer, and Clia UK chair David Dingle.

 

A panel on the future of sustainable and responsible cruise tourism in the UK featured MSC Cruises’ sustainability and ESG vice-president, Linden Coppell; Carnival Maritime’s senior manager for port operations and destination engagement, Richard Cook; and Portsmouth International Port’s technical director, Stephen Watkyns.

 

Harmer said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome delegates from across industry and government to our second Cruise Tourism Summit, and to celebrate the range of benefits that our sector brings to the UK.

 

“Cruise continues to be a driver of growth and opportunity for local economies across the UK.

 

“This success is a testament to the collaboration between cruise lines, ports, destinations, and suppliers, who work together to provide incredible experiences to all those who visit our shores.

 

“With the right government policies that enable the UK to remain competitive, there is great potential for the contributions of cruise to grow further in the years to come.”

 

Stimpson added: “It was a privilege to welcome such an influential group of leaders and stakeholders aboard Balmoral.

 

“We all have a role to play in ensuring the UK cruise sector continues to grow and evolve, and that growth doesn’t happen in silos.

 

“It is shaped by collaboration, alignment and long-term thinking.”

 

Morton commented: “As the northeast gateway for cruise, The Port of Tyne are proud to welcome the Cruise Tourism Summit to the northeast and to showcase everything the Port of Tyne Cruise operation has to offer.

 

“More people are choosing to start their cruise holidays from the Tyne, while thousands of visitors are arriving to experience our region for the first time.

 

“That growth reflects both the strength of our offer and the appeal of the northeast.

 

“Cruise tourism brings real value to the region, supporting jobs and local businesses while showcasing the northeast’s culture, heritage and visitor attractions.”