MPs and Members of the House of Lords have created an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dedicated to the UK cruise industry
More than 20 MPs and Peers have joined the group which will champion the contribution cruise makes to the UK economy and its role in supporting growth in coastal communities.
It will focus on growing the benefits of cruise across the UK, supporting jobs, businesses and communities, while exploring how policy can strengthen the UK's competitiveness in the international cruise industry, from skills and decarbonisation to tourism and regional growth.
Additionally, the group will encourage direct dialogue with industry leaders and experts, and it will provide a forum for engagement with ministers and civil servants on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
CLIA will act as the group's secretariat while Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey has been elected as chair.
Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK and Ireland, said: "The cruise industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the UK's maritime and visitor economies, with huge potential to support the Government's growth agenda.
"Building on the UK Government's Cruise Growth Plan published last year, this new group will provide an important forum for parliamentarians and industry to discuss key priorities including decarbonisation, skills and destination stewardship, and the policies needed to support the sector's continued growth.
"We are delighted to support the APPG's members with their new forum that can work to grow cruise sustainably, bringing even greater benefits to communities, businesses and destinations across the UK."
Paffey said: "I'm delighted to chair this new APPG, bringing parliamentarians and industry together to build on the industry's success in the UK and address the challenges ahead.
"The group will provide an important forum to discuss how we can strengthen the industry, support our ports and deliver greater benefits for coastal communities across the UK.
"Cruise plays an important role in communities across the UK, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses. Nowhere is that more evident than Southampton. Our port is at the heart of the UK cruise industry, whilst several international cruise lines are headquartered in the city supporting thousands of local jobs."
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