Cruise Britain, Cruise Ireland sign MoU at Seatrade Cruise Global

Through the strategic collaboration, the associations aim to be able to tap into new markets and demographics, expand their reach and promote a distinct Ireland and Britain cruise offering. 

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives from both Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain, indicating a shared commitment to promoting and developing cruise tourism through joint marketing campaigns, while emphasising sustainable and responsible tourism practices. It also establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas including promotion of cruise tourism, knowledge sharing, regulatory framework, environmental sustainability, joint committees, and information sharing.

Seatrade Cruise Global kicked off on April 8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and concludes today. 

A key operating region

‘Cruise Britain welcomes this MoU which marks a real step change in the working relationship between Britain and Ireland’s shoreside cruise businesses,’ said Ian McQuade, Chair, Cruise Britain. ‘For the cruise sector, the United Kingdom and Ireland represent a key operating region within Northern Europe and all partners can benefit from working together to leverage increased business and a smooth, sustainable growth trajectory.’

He continued, ‘As an association spanning the four nations of the UK, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands, Cruise Britain absolutely believes that ports and service providers are stronger together and can deliver better experiences through collaboration, sharing of best practices and addressing common challenges. 

‘To extend this across the Irish Sea to the whole of Ireland represents a key development and we look forward to working with our Cruise Ireland colleagues in the future.’ 

Economic advantages 

Conor Mowlds, chair of Cruise Ireland and CCO at the Port of Cork Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ‘This agreement signifies the strong intent to foster connections across borders and seas to bolster our positioning for future tourism and economic growth.

‘Cruise calls provide essential transient tourism - shorter stays, an injection of economic activity to regions without putting additional pressure on the hospitality sector for the need of bed nights. Onshore spending averages over €80 per passenger and almost €30 per crewperson, highlighting the substantial economic benefits for the regions.

‘The partnership between Cruise Ireland and Cruise Britain holds promise for driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable tourism across our islands.’