6 February 2025
Representatives from across the cruise industry has met with MPs and Peers to share the breadth of benefits that the cruise industry brings to the UK. Industry leaders, including cruise line executives, travel agents, port operators and suppliers, were hosted by CLIA at the reception in the House of Commons.
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. With more than 25 MPs in attendance, the event demonstrated the growing awareness of the importance of the cruise industry to their local areas across the country.
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 Dover. The cross-party event was addressed by Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Mike Kane MP, and Stuart Andrew MP, a former Tourism Minister and now 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.
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP said:
“We recognise the important contribution that the cruise industry makes to this country, bringing trade and tourism to towns and cities across the UK, particularly to our coastal communities.
“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.”
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stuart Andrew, MP said:
“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.
“The Conservatives recognise the industry’s crucial contributions to the UK economy. We look forward to working closely with the industry to support its success in the UK.”
Mike Tapp, MP for Dover and Deal 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.
“Dover has long been one of the most popular cruise ports in the UK, and I am delighted that the cruise sector continues to bring its guests to Dover. With more than 100 ship calling in Dover last year, the cruise industry plays a hugely significant role in bringing tourists to Dover, who get to experience the historic Dover castle, our world-famous white cliffs, and the beautiful town of Deal. This has a substantial benefit locally, supporting many regional businesses and generating employment opportunities through cruise tourism.”
Andy Harmer, CLIA Managing Director for UK and Ireland, said:
“From the cruise lines that operate here, the thousands of travel agents up and down the country, the businesses that supply our industry, and the destinations that our guests visit, the cruise industry makes a substantial contribution to the UK economy. There are more than 60,000 people across the country who rely on a successful cruise industry, and we were delighted to introduce politicians to some of these people in parliament.
“CLIA works closely with Government and politicians from across the UK to advocate for a successful cruise industry and to raise awareness of the unique role that cruise plays in the UK’s inbound, outbound and domestic tourism. Today’s event was an important opportunity to bring together the cruise community with political stakeholders to illustrate the many benefits that our industry brings to the UK.”
