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Top cruise representatives have written to the Government highlighting the ‘’urgent need’’ for a clear plan for restarting sailings from Britain.
The letter to the Chancellor, seen by this newspaper, says: ‘’Cruise is a key industry for the UK, generating £10billion every year for the UK economy and supporting over 88,000 jobs.
‘’We believe now is the right time to begin preparations for a restart so that it can take place efficiently and safely.’’
Sent to Rishi Sunak by the UK Chamber of Shipping and the Cruise Lines International Association for the UK and Ireland to coincide with the current “crucial” so-called ‘wave’ cruise holiday booking period, it adds: “A pathway to restart, which lays out a timeline for the resumption of cruise operations, must therefore be developed urgently – with Government working in collaboration with the cruise industry.’’
It also urges the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to lift its ban on all ocean cruising, which would “transform consumer confidence’’.
That would have no practical impact on cruise activity in the short term, it added, as it takes at least 12 weeks for cruise lines to restart operations.
Andy Harmer, CLIA’S UK & Ireland director, said: “Our hope is that the Government will recognise our uncompromising commitment to public health and act now to help protect the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on a successful UK cruise industry.”
Cruising has been paralysed globally by the pandemic with 400-plus ocean and river ships idle at anchor or in port.
UK lines have been in voluntary suspension since March and Clia estimates this has cost the UK economy nearly £7billion with the loss of 52,000 jobs supported by the industry.