Maritime minister reaffirms govt’s commitment to cruise industry
The maritime minister has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the cruise industry in its pursuit of net-zero and its ongoing contribution to the UK economy
Mike Kane MP joined cruise industry leaders on Wednesday (13 November) for the first meeting of the Cruise Industry Government Forum since this summer’s general election.
The meeting, attended by senior representatives of five government departments, including the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, saw industry leaders discuss a joint plan for the cruise industry in the UK.
This will include shared objectives related to skills, net zero and economic growth. The attendees also discussed the role of cruise in bringing tourists to parts of the UK that can be more difficult to reach by other forms of transport.
The meeting also allowed the government to outline what its agenda means for the cruise industry for the first time. Following the meeting, attendees agreed to work on a joint plan related to cruise.
Kane said: “The cruise industry plays a vital role in supporting UK maritime and tourism, boosting jobs and economic growth in coastal communities across the UK.
“I was delighted to address the Forum for the first time as minister, to discuss how industry and the government can work together to reach net zero and decarbonise the sector.”
Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted that this new government is committed to working with our industry and that it recognises the extensive value that we bring to the economy.
“Whether it be the many thousands of travel agents working in every part of the country, our world class ports, or through the many cruise lines that operate from or visit the UK, our industry plays a crucial role nationally, the government rightly recognises this contribution.”
