With an aim to raise the number of cruise vessels to North Wales, fresh ‘experiences’ would be offered to its passengers as well as ‘immersion’ videos would be created that would go a long way in selling the area.
Anglesey council would be leading the two-year project to raise the popularity of North Wales as a famous cruise ship destination.
At the port of Holyhead this summer, a record number of 43 cruise ships would be docking, ushering in an overwhelming number of tourists to this part of the world, from all across the globe. It is estimated that this year, the cruise passenger spending would be worth £2 million to Anglesey and also to the economy of North Wales.
The visiting cruise vessels include Seven Seas Explorer and German ships Mein Schiff 1 and 4 that can accommodate as much as 3,000 passengers to smaller niche cruise ships.
The Regional Tourism Engagement Fund (RTEF) of the Welsh government had contributed £60,000 for the Anglesey council’s Destination function, for the North Wales Regional Cruise Project.
Cllr Richard Dew who is the portfolio holder of Economic Development said that the economic advantages brought about by the cruise industry to North Wales and Anglesey are actually vast. The County Council have been working in partnership with the Welsh government, Orthios, Stena Line and Regional Partners to lure a large number of cruise liners to this part of the world.
Steffan Hughes, the Cruise Ship Welcome and Events Co-ordinator said that their annual cruise ship program is gathering new momentum.
Hughes said that North Wales had witnessed the visit of 43 cruise vessels this summer bringing 16,000 tourists to the region.
Chair of the Destination Anglesey Partnership Phil Scott said that this is a great news for North Wales and even for Anglesey and that through this partnership they would strive to collaborate with the County Council to make sure that the tourism sector of the island can provide the best possible offer for cruise ship passengers.
Ken States who is the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure said that the cruise sector has been highlighted in the tourism strategy for Wales as one of the best ways to boost the cruise tourism industry in Wales by 10% by 2020.
