The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Cruise ships’ big splash in Scotland’s economy
TOURISM: Prospect of eighth record season of cruise liners at Scottish ports
Scotland has attracted another recordbreaking cruise season for 2017, according to the organisation promoting the country as a world-class cruise destination.
Cruise Scotland, whose members include Dundee and Montrose, said the number of cruise liners and passengers calling at Scottish ports has more than doubled in the last decade, making a major contribution to the economy.
The promise of another busy summer follows a seventh successive recordbreaking season in 2016.
There were 676 visits by cruise ships, up 35% on 2015 and bringing around 484,000 passengers, an increase of 5.3%.
Ports and their hinterlands around Scotland’s mainland and islands shared a market with an estimated value of almost £56 million in 2016.
There are 808 ships, including more large vessels, booked to call next year, up 19.5% on 2016, with an anticipated 35%plus jump in the number of passengers to around 656,000.
A number of cruise lines are returning with more calls next year when the annual value to the Scottish economy is expected to reach more than £72.5m.
Cruise Scotland chairman Andrew Hemphill said: “The expectations for next year will mean that since 2010, the organisation’s first full year, ship numbers, passengers and their spend will all have more than doubled.
“The continuing growth in the record numbers now visiting shows the increasing popularity of Scotland as a hugely exciting destination.
“The statistics demonstrate marketing is working and there is increasing appreciation among cruise operators and passengers of Scotland’s many and varied attractions which deliver fantastic visitor experiences.”
He added: “There is tremendous potential for more in a growth industry, through sustained promotion and quality product.”
In the 2010-2017 period, cruise ship arrivals will have increased 119% from 342 to 808 calls and passenger numbers will have risen by 144% from 268,481 to 656,510, for a total value of around £400m.
At the recent Scottish Cruise Summit, rural economy and connectivity minister Fergus Ewing recognised the efforts and success of Cruise Scotland.
The organisation’s aims also include increasing Scotland’s share of the cruise ship market.
A significant part of the £1 billion Dundee waterfront regeneration strategy involves promoting the port as a cruise ship destination.