Joint Irish-British cruising region to drive economic growth

AN agreement to promote Ireland and the British Isles as a ‘cruising region’ has been signed by representatives of Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain.

The deal will drive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable tourism, the chief commercial officer of the Port of Cork Company has said.

Conor Mowlds, who is the chairman of Cruise Ireland, signed the memorandum of understanding alongside his Cruise Britain counterpart, Ian McQuade, at the world’s largest cruise trade show, the Seatrade Global Conference, this week, in Miami, Florida.

The agreement will harness the pleasures of cruise tourism, but within short sailing distances. Cruise Ireland said the agreement signified a “a shared commitment to promoting and developing cruise tourism through joint marketing campaigns, while emphasising sustainable and responsible tourism practices”.

Mr Mowlds said the memorandum of understanding represented the “strong intent to foster connections across borders and seas to bolster our positioning for future tourism and economic growth”.

“Cruise calls provide essential transient tourism: Shorter stays, an injection of economic activity to regions without putting additional pressure on the hospitality sector for the need of bed nights,” Mr Mowlds said.

”On-shore spending averages over €80 per passenger and almost €30 per crewperson, highlighting the substantial economic benefits for the regions.”

“The partnership between Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain holds promise for driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable tourism across our islands.”

Mr McQuade described the agreement as a “real step change in the working relationship between Britain and Ireland’s shoreside cruise businesses”.

“For the cruise sector, the United Kingdom and Ireland represent a key operating region within northern Europe and all partners can benefit from working together to leverage increased business and a smooth, sustainable growth trajectory,” he said.