A proposed levy on cruise ships docking in Scottish ports risks becoming “another obstacle” to the industry’s future growth.

This was the stark warning from president of Barrhead Travel Jacqueline Dobson, who urged the Scottish government to work with the cruise industry “and not against it” to ensure the correct investment is channelled into “meaningful” sustainable tourism initiatives.

Dobson’s comments come after the Scottish Green Party put forward a new tax to tackle the “twin challenges” of reducing the amount of emissions cruise ships produce and the impact of tourists on port towns.

“As an industry, we’re fully supportive of the ambitious aims to lower carbon emissions and ensure that cruise tourism makes a positive impact to port communities,” Dobson said.

“However, the new proposed cruise tax in Scotland risks becoming another obstacle that could stall future growth for outbound regional sailings, which are already limited.”

Scottish govt urged to ‘work closer’ with cruise industry

According to Dobson, cruise tourism injects around £10bn to the UK economy with an estimated local spend of £100 per passenger per port.

Dobson also raised concern that the limited embarkation points in Scotland already force thousands of outbound Scottish holidaymakers to head to Southampton to depart on an ex-UK cruise, rather than sailing from the country.

“Instead of penalising cruise lines who are already investing millions into sustainable technology and positive community engagement, we’d like to see the Scottish government working with stakeholders to bring new cruise opportunities to Scotland,” she added.

“Investment in cruising from and around Scotland will ultimately help reinvigorate local economies and drive interest in return visitors.”

Engagement, Dobson continued, “must also include travel agents, who play a vital role in both stimulating demand for cruising from Scottish ports as well as encouraging and influencing local spend pre- and post-cruise”.