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CLIA joins UK government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory CouncilCLIA joins UK government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory Council

The forum, which met for the first time yesterday, is a new governmental body that will act as a point of dialogue between ministers and the tourism industry.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 21, 2025

1 Min Read
UK-CLIA-Andy-Harmer
Andy Harmer, MD, UK and Ireland, CLIA, will join the UK government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory CouncilPHOTO: CLIA

Cruise Lines International Association joined the UK government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory Council – a taskforce aimed at securing growth in the UK’s tourism sector.

Members will inform the government’s forthcoming National Visitor Economy Strategy and work towards its ambition for the UK to welcome 50m international visitors per year by 2030. 

CLIA joins leading figures from British Airways, VisitBritain, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and more, working with Chris Bryant, minister for arts, creative industries and tourism, on all aspects of tourism planning and strategy, covering inbound, outbound and domestic tourism. 

This will enable the government to take into account the more than 2m British holidaymakers who take a cruise each year, as well as the role that the cruise industry plays bringing visitors to some of the more remote coastal communities around the UK. 

Cruise industry expertise 

CLIA’s MD UK and Ireland, Andy Harmer, will join the council. He said, ‘I am delighted that the government has recognised that the cruise sector is an integral part of the UK tourism offer, playing a unique role in inward, outbound, and domestic tourism. 

‘I look forward to sharing our expertise in relation to tourism planning, responsible tourism, and innovation within the sector, as well as the commitment of the UK’s amazing travel agent community. 

Related:CLIA appoints veteran maritime leader Bud Darr as president/CEO

‘A thriving cruise sector can contribute significantly towards the government’s aims of achieving economic growth through tourism.’

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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