Carnival UK, which operates P&O Cruises and Cunard, is projected to contribute more than £2.5 billion to the UK economy over the next five years, according to an independent report.
The Economic Impact Report reveals that, each time one of the group’s largest ships homeports in the UK, it contributes £2.5 million to the economy from supply chain and guest spending.
Carnival UK ships made more than 700 calls to the UK in 2024, carrying almost 2 million passengers, with a turnaround value equating to around £505 million per year. This means the combined value to the UK economy is projected to exceed £2.5 billion in the next five years.
Carnival UK’s cruise bookings made through local travel agencies generated over £100 million annually in travel agent commission fees.
The report also found that visits on cruise ships often precede repeat holidays taken in the UK by international guests, with the potential future tourism value from returning international visitors predicted to benefit the UK economy by £147 million annually.
The group also contributes £351 million in Gross Value Added to the local economy, based on the employment of 1,650 full-time employees at its headquarters in Southampton.
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “As the largest cruise operator in the UK, we are extremely proud that our organisation will be contributing over £2.5bn to the UK economy over the next five years.
“This is particularly important given our impact in the Solent where we are the largest private sector employer in Southampton, especially at a time when economic growth is of utmost importance to the country.”
Maritime minister Mike Kane said: “Our maritime sector is instrumental in building a diverse, resilient tourism sector and Carnival UK’s economic report is critical in setting out the multimillion-pound and widespread impacts generated across the UK’s economy.”
