ABTA 2004: Buoyant cruise market reports record bookings
ABTA Convention Special: Over a million people will take a cruise in 2004 following the introduction of 13 new ships during the year. The total number of passengers for all river and ocean cruises last year was 1.053m and the 2004 figure is expected to finish around 9 percent higher. “It has been an exceptionally good year for the cruise industry which can partly be attributed to the launch of the QM2 in January 2004 and Cunard’s decision to dedicate the QE2 mainly to the UK market,” said Passenger Shipping Association director William Gibbons. The PSA said there had been a growth in niche cruise operating, which has proved popular among UK holidaymakers seeking an alternative cruise experience. In 2005, an extra nine ships will be added to the UK market, including P&O Cruises’ Arcadia, due to be launched in April. “In 2005 we can expect to see a substantial growth in ex-UK cruises as more people are recognising the convenience of departing from a UK port,” said Gibbons. The Passenger Shipping Association has launched a Value Report which demonstrates that cruises are now often cheaper than their equivalent land-based package holidays.
Ginny McGrath
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season