A project dedicated to showcasing excursions across southern England is increasing tourism in the region, according to new research.

Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference, led by Southampton City Council, recently held its first Cruise Business Seminar to discuss new on-shore excursions for cruise passengers.

Research suggests that more than 50 per cent of passengers arriving on a transit call in Southampton go on shore excursions outside of the local area. 

Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference project manager Laura Campbell said: “Research has shown that each cruise call into Southampton generates an estimated £2 million for the local economy and approximately £55 is spent per person on a cruise itinerary.

“By promoting the regional options that are available for tourists close to the ports, businesses and the visitor economy will benefit.”

Destination Plymouth executive director Amanda Lumley added: “Plymouth is pleased to be a partner in the project building on initial cruise market activities to support the Mayflower 400 partnership over the past two years.

“Our insights show that there is a great appetite in the cruise sector for new products and this project is an opportunity for all the partners to leverage this.”

The project has also received support from Visit Hampshire. The group’s tourism manager Andrew Bateman said he was “delighted with the opportunity the project has provided to enhance promotion of the county’s attractions for cruise shore excursions”.

Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference is one of a number of projects to receive funding from the UK Government’s £40 million Discover England Fund.