By
Laura Hyde |
The cruise industry generated more than £1 billion ($1.2 billion) for Southampton in the UK in 2023, after the city’s port welcomed a record-breaking 460 cruise vessel calls and 2.6 million passengers.
The port, which is operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), boasts five cruise terminals and is home to the UK’s first large-scale shore power facility.
“We are proud of the role we play in supporting the local, regional and national economy,” said Alastair Welch, ABP regional director for Southampton. “While this is a record year for cruise in the city, we continue to invest in this and other port-related sectors to ensure long-term success for our port city.”
The cruise sector supports over 15,000 jobs and a wide range of local businesses.
“Cruise passengers are a massively important part of Southampton and Hampshire’s tourist economy,” said Stephen Manion, executive director of Go Southampton, the business improvement district for Southampton city centre. “Cruisers tend to be higher spending visitors than the average and across a wider range of categories. We look forward to working with the Port of Southampton to increase not just the numbers of visitors but their ability to access the city and all that it has to offer.”