UK Government and industry launch Cruise Growth Plan to Boost Maritime Tourism and Coastal Economies

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025 0

In a landmark move to strengthen the UK’s maritime and tourism sectors, the UK Government, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly launched the UK Cruise Growth Plan.

This strategic framework outlines shared commitments between government and industry to support the continued growth of the UK cruise sector benefiting the national economy, UK ports, and coastal communities. The commitments are designed to encourage sustained private investment and increased collaboration between Government departments, including within the Devolved Administrations, to help responsibly grow the cruise sector.

The cruise industry already contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports 60,000 jobs across the country. The Cruise Growth Plan recognises this vital role and sets out a roadmap for long-term growth, enhanced infrastructure, and global leadership in sustainable and digital maritime practices.

The Plan focuses on key areas including workforce development, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainable growth – positioning the UK as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime innovation.

The Value of Cruise to the UK:

£5.8 billion annual contribution to the UK economy
60,000 jobs supported nationwide
Over 50 UK ports visited by cruise ships each year
More than 2 million UK residents take cruises annually
Over 2 million day visits by cruise guests to UK ports every year
60% of cruise guests return to destinations they visited

Maritime Minister, Keir Mather said:

“The cruise industry is vital to the UK economy, bringing in £5.8 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.

That’s why we’ve launched our Cruise Growth Plan to continue driving private investment into the sector, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for coastal communities.”

Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA United Kingdom & Ireland, commented:

“Cruise Lines International Association is delighted to partner with UK Government on the UK Cruise Growth Plan.

The forward-looking plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of cruising in the UK. Its shared commitments will enhance safety, security, and accessibility in the industry, while its focus on investment and future skills will allow the UK to remain a leader in the international cruise market in the years to come.

Cruise contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs. By reinforcing the sector’s vital role in the nation’s maritime and tourism ecosystems, the plan firmly embeds cruise within the Government’s growth agenda. With CLIA member cruise lines pursuing net zero by 2050, the plan will help foster further collaboration between industry and Government to achieve our shared decarbonisation aims.

This agreement reflects years of partnership between industry and Government, with a joint ambition: a thriving UK cruise sector that drives economic growth and benefits coastal communities in all four nations.”

Rhett Hatcher, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

“The UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the UK Cruise Growth Plan as a timely and collaborative blueprint for the future of our cruise sector.

The Plan reflects the shared commitment, in partnership with government, to unlocking the sector’s full potential for responsible growth and skills development. The joint commitments focus on the strategic priorities of positioning the UK as a world-leading hub for cruise tourism and maritime investment and growing a diverse and skilled workforce while maintaining globally recognised safety standards.

We remain committed to shared goals on decarbonisation and call for continued collaboration to ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in future cruise sector planning. The Chamber stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that growth and green transition go hand in hand.”

Key Objectives of the Cruise Growth Plan:

Positioning the UK as a Premier Cruise Market

Integrating cruise into national tourism strategies
Featuring UK cruise destinations in international marketing campaigns
Exploring infrastructure investment opportunities at UK cruise ports

Developing the UK’s Maritime Skills Base

Future-proofing training for seafarers in emerging fuels, technologies, and vessel types
Creating career pathways for shore-side maritime and hospitality roles in coastal communities

Supporting Coastal Communities and British Ports

Empowering communities to shape and benefit from cruise tourism
Considering cruise operations in national planning reforms
Collaborating on digital immigration and border systems

The Cruise Growth Plan represents a unified commitment to ensure the UK cruise sector continues to thrive, innovate, and deliver economic and social value across the country. The full plan can be found here UK Cruise Growth Plan – GOV.UK.