Ship brings thousands of US tourists to Wales
A HUGE cruise ship has docked in North Wales – giving thousands of tourists the chance to see the region’s sights.
The Royal Caribbean’s 2,112-passenger Brilliance of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships to grace North Wales, visited Holyhead’s port yesterday.
People were shocked when the 90,000-tonne vessel, packed with tourists mostly from the USA, arrived. The same ship visited the port in June.
The Welsh Government has said the cruise ship industry is one they are hoping to exploit. Tourism minister Lord Elis-Thomas said: “It’s great news that Anglesey is welcoming passengers again today.
“The growth of the sector is testimony to the collaborative work between public and private sector partners, working closely with the cruise liners to ensure that Wales is developing the right infrastructure and products which will appeal to their customers.
“I’m sure the passengers will have an excellent time exploring the variety and quality of what Wales has to offer and we look forward to welcoming more ships to Wales during 2018.”
The Welsh Government said Holyhead will welcome 54 cruise ships in 2018 – an increase of 30% from 2017. A new “multi-use berth” is being constructed in the port.
Anglesey council’s major projects and economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said: “Support via the Regional Tourism Engagement Fund (RTEF) has helped us attract many more cruise ship passengers to the region.
“We will continue to market North Wales as a unique destination.”