Cruise Restart!
WELCOME FOR TODAY’S RESTART OF DOMESTIC CRUISE TRAVEL IN SCOTLAND
Covid safety measures basis for rebuilding activity and protecting communities.
Cruise Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s reduction of Covid-19 restrictions to Level 0 from today (19th July 2021) and the confirmation that domestic cruising at Scottish ports and harbours can resume once again.
Rob Mason, Chairman of Cruise Scotland, said: “Over the last year, the cruise sector has worked tirelessly with the Scottish and UK Governments and industry partners to develop and strengthen health and safety measures which now exceed those of any other travel sector and are the result of extensive collaboration.
“The decision to resume cruise is a welcome encouragement for our Scottish ports and harbours with the wider supply chain now able to recommence operations, welcoming UK sailings and UK passengers only, after a period of nearly 18 months following a voluntary suspension of visits in March 2020.”
The marketing organisation’s membership includes 16 ports and harbours on the Scottish mainland and the islands, backed by a wide diversity of vital stakeholders within the supply chain, including ships agents, ground handlers, stevedores, car parking and shore excursion providers, all of which have had a very challenging 18 months.
Rob Mason added: ‘‘The health and well-being of passengers, crew, shoreside staff and the communities visited are paramount, and the current protocols have already been extensively tested as almost 600,000 people have sailed on cruises since last summer elsewhere around the globe, which includes many English ports and harbours since May of this year.
“Collectively and individually, the Cruise Scotland membership place great emphasis on the safety of local communities which are a key part of the industry and will share in the recovery.
“We look forward to welcoming cruise ships back to enjoy our world-famous attractions, scenery and warm hospitality. The arrival of the first vessel today reflects the pent-up demand by both passengers and operators to visit Scotland.
“Expected arrivals till the end-of-season in the autumn are very encouraging and will be the springboard for gradual recovery. There are healthy volumes of bookings for next year and 2023. The restart and outlook reinforce plans to relaunch our marketing campaign and return in time to record levels of activity, making significant contributions to the Scottish economy, while ensuring all involved are in safe hands.”
For further information, including membership: visit www.cruisescotland.com or contact:
Allison McGuire, Cruise Scotland Market Development Manager. E: a.mcguire@cfpa.co.uk T: +44 (0) 7766 145270