Destination South West welcomes PSA prediction of a record 1.77 million UK cruise passengers in 2011

Dec. 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Representatives from Destination South West, who attended the annual Passenger Ship Association Gala Dinner this month, welcomed the news that the ocean cruise market continues to buck current travel trends with an expected increase of 8% in passengers who are expected to have taken a cruise in the next 12 months.

UK ports can look forward to more traffic as the number of British passengers joining their ship from a UK port next year is also expected to rise by 55,000 to 710,000.  Mike Reynolds, Chair of Destination South West, commented, “These trends are very positive news for the cruising industry as a whole and emphasise the importance of presenting an attractive package to the cruise liner operators.  

“Destination South West is a marketing initiative entirely supported from our members’ subscriptions and led by the private sector. All the partners recognise the immense value of calling cruise ships to their ports and local areas and their contribution means we can be even more proactive in attracting cruise ships in 2011. This is something that our website: www.destinationsouthwest.co.uk has focused on, making it easy for cruise liner operators to see what the South West has to offer.”

William Gibbons of the Passenger Shipping Association said next year's additional 130,000 cruise passengers reflects strong performances from the major UK cruise lines, coupled with additional capacity that has come on stream this year. The luxury cruise sector is also expected to continue to thrive, with new ships now in service and signs that strong growth will be maintained.

"Despite challenging economic times affecting many areas of the travel industry, the sheer value and variety of a cruise holiday continues to appeal." said Gibbons. "This is reflected in both this year's seven per cent increase in passenger numbers and these exciting numbers for 2011 indicating continuing consumer demand and satisfaction.”

Destination South West actively promotes the Region to ensure that the South West continues to attract high profile cruise ships to its ports. Partners include ports, local government authorities, tourist attractions, and other organisations with an interest in the cruise industry. For more information on DSW visit www.destinationsouthwest.co.uk.

Note to editors

For further company information or to interview Mike Reynolds please contact Drew Llewellyn, Qballyhoo Marketing 01305 257132, dsl@qballyhoo.com.

For further press information please contact:
Jane Adkins       T/: 01935 813114
          M/: 07960 698089
         E/: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

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