Minister of Tourism praises the “vital” cruise industry at UK Cruise Tourism Summit in Liverpool

The Minister for Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, has praised the cruise industry and embraced its place in the UK’s tourism ecosystem at the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) inaugural UK Cruise Tourism Summit in Liverpool.

The Summit brought together industry leaders, alongside government, representatives from the UK’s devolved administrations, as well as ports and visit groups. Together, they discussed how cruise can be at the heart of the UK Government’s upcoming tourism strategy and how they can work collaboratively so the cruise industry can help the UK Government achieve its aim of boosting inbound tourism to 50 million people a year by 2030. 

After joining the UK Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council earlier this year, CLIA hosted this first of its kind event to showcase the important role of cruise in the UK’s inbound, outbound and domestic tourism ecosystem, calling for a joined-up approach across government to maximise the opportunities that cruise tourism brings to the UK. 

The Summit celebrated the economic and social benefits that cruising brings, as well as the opportunities that come from the industry’s sustainable and responsible growth. It also put a spotlight on the more than 60,000 jobs that cruise tourism supports in the UK, including those at UK ports and in the supply chain across all parts of the country.

The Summit kicked off with a launch reception, hosted by Liverpool Cruise Port and Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, where the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, and the General Manager of Liverpool Cruise Port, John Mawer, welcomed delegates to the city. 

It continued today onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, where Minister for Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, provided a keynote address that reflected on opportunities that cruise tourism brings to the UK as part of the wider tourism industry. Other speakers included Celebrity Cruises’ Vice President International, Giles Hawke, and CLIA’s UK Managing Director, Andy Harmer, as well as Diane Glover from the Beatle’s Story, talking about how their business benefits from cruise tourism. 

Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts & Tourism, said:

“The cruise industry is a vital component of the UK’s tourism ecosystem, supporting high quality jobs and bringing opportunities for many of our coastal communities. From beautiful islands and coastal towns, to world-famous heritage sites, or any of our four capital cities, cruise guests get to experience the very best of what our country offers.

“It is fantastic to be in Liverpool and to join representatives from across the industry as we celebrate its contributions to the UK and consider how its benefits can spread even further.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“With our rich history – from music and culture to football and of course our maritime heritage – Liverpool is a global city that’s firmly on the bucket list for travellers from all over the world. Cruise ships bring thousands of visitors here every year to experience everything we’ve got to offer.

“I’m really pleased that the industry has chosen Liverpool for its first ever cruise tourism Summit. It shows just how far we’ve come. We’re proud to play a leading role in shaping the future of the sector – and making the case for a joined-up, national approach that helps cruise tourism grow in a way that benefits more people, businesses and communities across the country.”

Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said:

“Cruise plays a vital role in the UK’s visitor economy, supporting many of our coastal communities, and enabling international guests from all over the world to see some of the very best that the country has to offer. To help grow the benefits of cruise tourism, it is important that we continue to work with governments, visitor groups and other key partners, so that we can sustainably grow cruise tourism in the UK and ensure a great experience for both our guests and local residents.”

Giles Hawke, Vice President International, Celebrity Cruises, said:

“We are delighted to host this inaugural Summit during one of Celebrity’s round-Britain cruises. From Liverpool to Lerwick, Ynys Môn to Inverness, and Derry to Dover, our guests love to discover all that the UK has to offer. The UK is an important destination for Royal Caribbean Group, both in terms of outbound cruises from our homeport in Southampton, but also as a destination for inbound cruises that call in every corner of the country.”

John Mawer, General Manager, Liverpool Cruise Port, said:

“Liverpool Cruise Port is proud to be a driving force in the UK cruise industry. As part of Global Ports Holding, we’re focused on unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism for the city and the wider region. Achieving this growth means working closely with local partners and aligning with a nationwide strategy for the sector. The recent addition of Greenock Cruise Port in Scotland to the Global Ports Holding network further strengthens our presence in the UK, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to cruise passengers. We’re honoured that CLIA has chosen Liverpool to host its inaugural Cruise Tourism Summit, and to showcase our vibrant city to leaders from across the industry and government.”

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