In January 2022, Cruise Britain appointed Kate O’Hara as chair for the second time. She speaks to Lucy Abbott for the next instalment of the Cruise Trade News Cruise Corner interview.

When taking on the position of chair at Cruise Britain, O’Hara explained how it was looking to emerge from the difficulties of the pandemic with a focus on “collaboration and cooperative working”.

Cruise Britain currently works with the likes of CLIA UK & Ireland, Cruise Europe and MedCruise, among others, and as O’Hara says, there is a desire to “develop strategic relationships”.

As for travel agents, O’Hara outlines the educational material available from Cruise Britain – particularly on destinations – and highlights how 2022 is a “transitional year” for the cruise sector.

O’Hara, who is combining the job with her position as Port of Tyne commercial director, also discusses the port’s 2050 maritime strategy.