In conjunction with CLIA UK & Ireland, it’s been a pleasure to continue the programme of political engagement which began with the Tourism Minister’s visit to Ponant (even though we now have a new Tourism Minister).

For all visits, discussions are focussing on economic benefit, community impact, planned growth and sustainability and (for Scotland) the potential cruise visitor levy. National and regional politicians are being hosted and joined by senior cruise line, port and devolved administration representatives.

9th/10th July: Orkney & Windstar – a great opportunity to see the Orkney operation and some of the sights (thank you, Orkney Harbours).
Still to come:
31st July: Greenock & Princess Cruises
2nd Aug: Holyhead & Regent Seven Seas

The EU Entry Exit system requiring biometric data at the border for all non-EU citizens has been delayed again to 10 November with a backstop date of 17 November. The EU is expected to roll out a communication campaign post-Olympics, and there will be UK Govt communications at a similar time. The EU app will be available in summer 2025; limited functionality will be in place as the app will not be able to process fingerprints.

The roll out of the UK ETA continues with the Rest of the World planned for the end of 2024, and the EU in the first quarter of 2025.

CLIA’s Summer toolkit provides guidance on messaging on key topics regarding the cruise industry. Click below for the latest data, trends and other information about the cruise industry, especially the industry’s work in responsible tourism.

The toolkit is organized by major subject areas with the option to download the various sections. Other resources include assets for sharing on social media channels including image posts and videos.

CLIA will provide updates to this content throughout the year and encourage you to share your ideas for additional areas to cover. Thank you for your support in sharing the latest information about the industry and please get in touch should you need additional information and/or clarification.

Summer Messaging Toolkit

The new Tourism Minister will decide whether or not to reform the Tourism Industry Council advisory body and its working groups. Meanwhile an informal meeting of the International Demand and Competitiveness Working Group, which includes Cruise Britain, is pushing for a Tourism Growth Plan discussion including net zero requirements, potential tourism taxes, guides and transportation concerns.

Seatrade Med (11^th – 12^th Sept) is in the final planning. The stand is now full, the layout is finalised and graphics are going into production. It’ll be wagons roll for Malaga at the beginning of September.

Seatrade Cruise Global is returning to Miami 8^th – 10^th April 2025 and booking forms for exhibiting in the Cruise Britain pavilion will be sent out shortly.

Cruise Britain continues to engage with cruise operators on a variety of topics and also on a broader industry basis. Lines engaged with include Cunard, Hurtigruten, P&O Cruises, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Saga Cruises, Seabourn, TUI Cruises and Windstar.

The government campaign to ensure that holidaymakers have the appropriate insurance has begun and the Foreign Office have asked for support as per previous years. Assets have been shared with embarkation ports and Cruise Britain has supported through social media.

Travel Aware

A useful line of communication has been established with the CAA and the clear message is that regulatory approval should not be an issue provided that detail has been fine-tuned as far in advance as possible.

Contact foreigncarrierpermits@caa.co.uk
David Kendrick MBE, Head, Airline Licensing Consumer & Markets Group, CAA David.Kendrick@caa.co.uk

Carrier permit information

Diaries at the ready! Our flagship event is getting a makeover…
If you haven’t already, please make a note of the date (London venues have been booked – the die is cast).

A call for sponsorship support will come out soon (big thank you to ABP Southampton, Denholms, London International Cruise Terminal Port of Tilbury, SMS International Shore Operations and GAC who have already stepped forward) but do get in touch if you’d like to get ahead of things.

LVEPs are the new vehicle for delivering local leadership and governance in tourism destinations in England. There are now 34 across the country with around half having a port and/or attractions accessible by cruise. We are working to engage appropriately through VisitBritain and DCMS, as LVEPs will be a way of getting the voice of cruise tourism heard locally and regionally.

LVEP list

The proposed cruise levy comes on the back of the Scottish Visitor Levy which has already passed through Scottish Parliament. Consultation will open soon and Cruise Britain continues to work with Cruise Scotland, CLIA, UK Chamber of Shipping, BPA, the SPAA and cruise operators to present a united position.