Body is launched to promote Scottish cruises
An organisation has been formed this week to promote Scotland as a destination for cruise ships.
Called Cruise Scotland, it represents ports and service companies throughout the country.
Chairman Richard Alexander said: “Scotland is a great destination for a range of cruises, with so much for passengers to see and do within easy reach of established ports on the mainland and islands.
“Now is a very opportune time to be stepping up our efforts, with greater scope for cruise lines to include Scotland in their itineraries.”
The industry-led organisation is also supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland.
With an initial three-year marketing strategy, Cruise Scotland is looking to expand its market by 10% year-on-year.
Scotland enjoyed a 48% share, worth more than £37 million, of all cruise ship calls in the UK in 2008, when a record 377 ships and around 202,000 passengers arrived in Scottish ports.
Cruise Scotland members to date include Aberdeen Harbour Board, Excursions Ltd, Orkney Cruise Services and Ullapool Harbour Trust.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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