Tourism Secretary calls for growth of cruises in Britain as industry gathers for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit | News
UK Tourism Secretary Stephanie Peacock MP today reaffirmed the government’s support for the growth of cruises, as industry leaders gathered at the Port of Tyne for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit.
The summit united cruise leaders, representatives from the British government, ports and tourism organizations. The program explored ways that cruises can expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional tourism and create lasting value for communities across the country.
The summit follows the publication of the UK government’s Cruise Growth Plan in September last year.
In her speech, the Minister highlighted the sector’s role in the wider visitor economy, noting that Britain remains the third largest cruise resource market in the world. She also spoke about the opportunities the sector is creating in tourism, hospitality, maritime services, supply chains and travel agencies across the country.
By 2024, cruise shipping generated £6.3 billion for the UK economy (including direct, indirect and induced production), while supporting 69,000 jobs.
Speakers at the summit emphasized the need to maintain a competitive operating environment as cruise lines worldwide make long-term deployment and investment decisions. They also discussed how Britain can strengthen its position in the global cruise market and increase its economic impact in the coming years.
The Summit showcased the growing role of cruises in supporting local and regional economies, while Matthew Dass, director at Tourism Economics, presented CLIA’s latest economic impact data.
The program highlighted the North East of England and its growing role in the British cruise market. Delegates attended a launch reception hosted by the Port of Tyne, where commercial director Craig Morton welcomed guests to Newcastle.
Sessions on board Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral brought together cruise executives, policymakers and destination leaders, with remarks from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO Samantha Stimpson, CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director Andy Harmer, and CLIA UK Chairman David Dingle.
Industry leaders joined a panel on the future of sustainable and responsible cruise tourism in Britain, featuring MSC Cruises Vice President for Sustainability and ESG, Linden Coppell; Carnival Maritime Senior Manager for Port Operations and Destination Engagement, Richard Cook; and Portsmouth International Port Technical Director Stephen Watkyns.
Stephanie Peacock, Secretary of State for Tourism, said: “The cruise industry is an integral part of the UK’s visitor economy, driving growth, creating jobs and supporting high streets and businesses in all four countries. In the UK Cruise Growth Plan, published last year, we set out our shared vision of how we can ensure the sector can maintain its role as a powerful driver of economic activity and thrive well 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 that will provide a clear long-term plan to unlock investment, support businesses and increase visitor flows across England.”
Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director of CLIA, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome delegates from across industry and government to our second Cruise Tourism Summit, and to celebrate the range of benefits our sector brings to the UK.
“Cruise continues to be an engine of growth and opportunity for local economies across the UK. This success is testament to the partnership between cruise lines, ports, destinations and suppliers, who work together to deliver incredible experiences to all who visit our shores. With the right government policies that enable Britain to remain competitive, there is great potential for cruise’s contribution to continue to grow in the coming years.”
Samantha Stimpson, CEO, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “It was a privilege to welcome such an influential group of leaders and stakeholders on board Balmoral.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the UK cruise sector continues to grow and evolve, and that growth does not happen in silos. It is shaped by collaboration, coordination and long-term thinking.
“Thank you to CLIA for creating the platform to bring the industry together for these important conversations.”
Port of Tyne Commercial Director Craig Morton said: “As the North East Gateway for Cruise, Port of Tyne is proud to welcome the Cruise Tourism Summit to the North East and showcase all that the Port of Tyne Cruise operation has to offer.
“More and more people are choosing to start their cruise holidays from the Tyne, with thousands of visitors coming to experience our region for the first time. This growth reflects both the strength of our offering and the appeal of the North East.
“Cruise tourism delivers real value to the region, supporting jobs and local businesses while showcasing the culture, heritage and visitor attractions of the North East.”
