Maritime MP praises cruise for ‘important’ economic contribution
The maritime minister has praised the cruise sector for its “important contribution” to the UK economy
Speaking to representatives from across the cruise industry at an event hosted by CLIA in the House of Commons on Wednesday (5 February), Mike Kane MP recognised the industry’s role in bringing trade and tourism to towns and cities across the UK.
“We will continue to work closely with organisations like CLIA, as part of our Plan for Change, to ensure we turbocharge economic growth, decarbonise the sector and deliver opportunities for people up and down the country,” he added.
With CLIA’s latest data highlighting how the industry supports 60,000 jobs across the country, politicians were able to learn more about how cruise benefits businesses, travel agents and local economies throughout the UK, including coastal communities.
The event was sponsored by Mike Tapp MP, the member of parliament representing the Port of Dover, who spoke about the importance of the cruise industry in bringing tourists to the port town.
The cross-party event was also addressed by Stuart Andrew MP, a former tourism minister and shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport. They were joined by more than 25 MPs representing different parties from all parts of the UK.
Tapp said: “I was delighted to welcome so many representatives from the industry to parliament to discuss the importance of cruise tourism to the UK’s local communities and economy.”
Andrew added: “The cruise industry is an essential part of the UK’s tourism ecosystem, which was why I was delighted to speak to the industry today in parliament.
“Over 2.3 million Brits each year chose to go on a cruise holiday every year, whilst there are over 2 million inbound visits to ports in every part of the country each year.”
Andy Harmer, CLIA MD for UK and Ireland, said more than 60,000 people across the country rely on a successful cruise industry, “and we were delighted to introduce politicians to some of these people in parliament”.
