The Government and cruise representatives have signed a ‘landmark’ agreement to grow the industry in the UK and encourage private investment.
Ministers, CLIA and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly launched the UK Cruise Growth Plan, to attract investors and increase collaboration between Government departments, including the Devolved Administrations, to set out a roadmap for long-term growth.
They want to position the UK as a ‘premier destination for cruise tourism and marine innovation’.
The cruise industry contributes £5.8 billion to the UK economy every year and supports 60,000 jobs. More than 2 million UK residents cruise each year, and more than 50 UK ports are visited every year.
CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director Andy Harmer OBE said: “CLIA is delighted to partner with UK Government on the UK Cruise Growth Plan.
“The forward-looking plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of cruising in the UK. Its shared commitments will enhance safety, security, and accessibility in the industry, while its focus on investment and future skills will allow the UK to remain a leader in the international cruise market in the years to come.
“By reinforcing the sector’s vital role in the nation’s maritime and tourism ecosystems, the plan firmly embeds cruise within the Government’s growth agenda. With CLIA member cruise lines pursuing net zero by 2050, the plan will help foster further collaboration between industry and Government to achieve our shared decarbonisation aims.
“This agreement reflects years of partnership between industry and Government, with a joint ambition: a thriving UK cruise sector that drives economic growth and benefits coastal communities in all four nations.”
The plan’s key objectives including positioning the UK as a premier cruise market, integrating cruise into national tourism strategies, featuring UK cruise destinations in international marketing campaigns.
Read more about the plan here.
