The Gibraltar Tourist Board has been confirmed as a new associate partner of cruise trade association Clia UK & Ireland.
The deal is designe to help raise Gibraltar’s awareness across the UK and Ireland among cruise lines, travel agents and stakeholders.
Clia’s main 2022 conference, in Southampton in May, will be sponsored by the Gibraltar Tourist Board.
Gibraltar has confirmed 175 cruise ships will visit the island this year.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Gibraltar is a firm favourite with cruisers and we’re delighted to see ships once again calling at this unique destination.
“The robust health and wellbeing protocols put in place by cruise lines, coupled with ever-increasing demand from passengers, means cruise has successfully restarted in Gibraltar and across almost 90 markets worldwide.
“We’re eagerly anticipating supporting Gibraltar’s tourism team as they further build their relationship with the travel trade, enhance their cruise profile and operations, and continue to benefit from the wider economic and social advantages that cruise brings.”
Gibraltar’s minister for business, tourism and the port, Vijay Daryanani, said the cruise sector was “extremely important” to its economy.
“As we ramp up our marketing drive, the government is committed to pushing our brand in the right circles to increase calls to our port,” he said.
“I am constantly asked by our businesses and stakeholders on the work we are doing to achieve this. I look forward to working with Clia in fulfilling our goal to make Gibraltar the port of choice in the Mediterranean.”