Tourism minister praises ‘vital’ cruise sector at industry gathering  

Tourism minister Chris Bryant has described the cruise industry as a “vital component” to the UK’s tourism ecosystem.

 

He was speaking at the first Clia UK cruise tourism summit held on board Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Eclipse in Liverpool.

 

Clia hosted the event after joining the government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council earlier this year. 

 

The aim was to showcase the important role of cruise industry in the UK’s inbound, outbound and domestic tourism sectors, calling for a joined-up approach across government to maximise the opportunities that cruise tourism brings to the UK. 

 

Industry leaders, government, representatives from the UK’s devolved administrations, as well as ports and visitor groups discussed how cruise can be at the heart of the government’s upcoming tourism strategy.  

 

They highlighted how to work collaboratively so the cruise industry can help the government achieve its aim of boosting inbound tourism to 50 million people a year by 2030. 

 

The event put a spotlight on the more than 60,000 jobs that cruise tourism supports in the UK, including those at ports and in the supply chain across all parts of the country.

 

Speakers included Celebrity Cruises vice-president international, Giles Hawke, and Clia UK managing director Andy Harmer, as well as Diane Glover from the Beatles Story, talking about how the business benefits from cruise tourism. 

 

Bryant said: “The cruise industry is a vital component of the UK’s tourism ecosystem, supporting high quality jobs and bringing opportunities for many of our coastal communities. From beautiful islands and coastal towns, to world-famous heritage sites, or any of our four capital cities, cruise guests get to experience the very best of what our country offers.

 

"It is fantastic to be in Liverpool and to join representatives from across the industry as we celebrate its contributions to the UK and consider how its benefits can spread even further.”

 

Harmer said: “Cruise plays a vital role in the UK’s visitor economy, supporting many of our coastal communities, and enabling international guests from all over the world to see some of the very best that the country has to offer. 

 

“To help grow the benefits of cruise tourism, it is important that we continue to work with governments, visitor groups and other key partners, so that we can sustainably grow cruise tourism in the UK and ensure a great experience for both our guests and local residents.”

 

Hawke added: “We are delighted to host this inaugural summit during one of Celebrity’s round-Britain cruises. From Liverpool to Lerwick, Ynys Môn to Inverness, and Derry to Dover, our guests love to discover all that the UK has to offer. 

 

“The UK is an important destination for Royal Caribbean Group, both in terms of outbound cruises from our homeport in Southampton, but also as a destination for inbound cruises that call in every corner of the country.”

 

Liverpool Cruise Port general manager John Mawer said: “We’re focused on unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism for the city and the wider region. Achieving this growth means working closely with local partners and aligning with a nationwide strategy for the sector. 

 

"The recent addition of Greenock Cruise Port in Scotland to the Global Ports Holding network further strengthens our presence in the UK, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to cruise passengers.”