For the first time the cruise industry will be represented in the national forum that advises government on tourism

The cruise industry has been included for the first time in the Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council, the Governmental body that acts as a point of dialogue between Ministers and the tourism industry, as its membership is announced.

Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, CLIA, who will join the Council, commented:

“I am delighted that the Government has recognised that the cruise sector is an integral part of the UK tourism offer, playing a unique role in inward, outbound, and domestic tourism. I look forward to sharing our expertise in relation to tourism planning, responsible tourism, and innovation within the sector, as well as the commitment of the UK’s amazing travel agent community. A thriving cruise sector can contribute significantly towards the Government’s aims of achieving economic growth through tourism.”

The Council will work with the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and Tourism, on all aspects of tourism planning and strategy, covering inbound, outbound and domestic tourism. This will enable the Government to take into account the more than 2 million British holidaymakers who take a cruise each year, as well as the unique role that the cruise industry plays bringing visitors to some of the more remote coastal communities around the UK. The new Council will look to maximise the benefits of outbound travel, and to increase inbound tourism to the UK to 50 million visitors a year by 2030.

The government’s full statement on its new Visitor Economy Advisory Council can be found here.