By
Alex Smith |
The UK Government, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the UK Chamber of Shipping have partnered to jointly launch the UK Cruise Growth Plan.
This strategic framework outlines shared commitments between government and industry to support the continued growth of the UK cruise sector. The commitments are designed to encourage sustained private investment and increased collaboration between government departments, including within the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Cruise Lines International Association is delighted to partner with UK Government on the UK Cruise Growth Plan,” said Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA United Kingdom & Ireland. “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.”
The UK Cruise Growth Plan focuses on three key objectives; positioning the UK as a premier cruise market; developing the UK’s maritime skills base; and supporting coastal communities and British ports.
To establish the UK as a premier cruise market, the plan commits to integrating cruise into national tourism strategies, featuring UK cruise destinations in international marketing campaigns and exploring infrastructure investment opportunities at UK cruise ports.
Development of the maritime skills base will include future-proofing training for seafarers in emerging fuels, technologies and vessel types, as well as creating career pathways for onshore maritime and hospitality roles in coastal communities.
These communities will be supported through a commitment to empower them with the capacity to shape and benefit from cruise tourism. Cruise operations will now be considered in national planning reforms, while the partners have also committed to collaborating on digital immigration and border systems.
“The UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the UK Cruise Growth Plan as a timely and collaborative blueprint for the future of our cruise sector,” said Rhett Hatcher, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping. “The Plan reflects the shared commitment, in partnership with government, to unlocking the sector’s full potential for responsible growth and skills development. The joint commitments focus on the strategic priorities of positioning the UK as a world-leading hub for cruise tourism and maritime investment and growing a diverse and skilled workforce while maintaining globally recognised safety standards. The Chamber stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that growth and green transition go hand in hand.”
The cruise industry contributes £5.8 billion ($7.91 billion) annually to the UK economy and supports 60,000 jobs across the country. Over 50 UK ports are visited by cruise ships each year, and more than two million UK residents take cruises annually.
“The cruise industry is vital to the UK economy,” said Keir Mather, maritime minister for the UK government. “That’s why we’ve launched our Cruise Growth Plan to continue driving private investment into the sector, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for coastal communities.”
The full UK Cruise Growth Plan can be found on the UK Government’s website.