Cruise tourism strategy needed for Wexford

A COMPREHENSIVE cruise tourism strategy is needed in Wexford to capitalise on Rosslare Port.

The latest CSO statistics on the number of cruise ships and passengers for 2016 reveal that only one cruise ship visited Rosslare in 2016, strongly contrasting with Cork which hosted 57 cruise ships benefiting from 89,686 visitors and 109 ships visiting Dublin with over 100,000 passengers.

A total of 209 cruise ships with more than 222,000 passengers visited Ireland in 2016 according to the figures.

Speaking after the figures were released Minister Paul Kehoe said a comprehensive cruise tourism strategy to be developed for Wexford.

‘The cruise business is projected to grow substantially in the coming years, with Dublin experiencing an 8% increase in visitor numbers last year. The growth of this industry represents an enormous opportunity for Wexford and the wider South East Region to attract new visitors to the benefit of businesses in the county.

‘Wexford is ideally located to be promoted as a premium cruise destination possessing a commercial port situated amongst some of the best tourist and cultural attractions. The Port also acts as a natural access point to Ireland’s Ancient East. An increase in cruise liners would have a positive impact on local businesses and drive job growth within the tourism sector.

‘The establishment of a working Group comprising Rosslare Europort, Wexford County Council and Fáilte Ireland last year is an encouraging start to attracting this valuable business.

‘If future trends reflect these recent figures, there is substantial potential for growth in cruise tourism in the coming years, and Wexford must reap its share. I have in recent days written to Fáilte Ireland highlighting the potential for Wexford to capitalise on this business and the need to ensure balanced regional growth in the sector.’