Minister Mike Kane joins the fifth meeting of the biannual Cruise Industry Government Forum, inviting the industry to work with the Government on shared goals
The Government’s Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP joined cruise industry leaders today ( 13 November 2024) for the first meeting of the Cruise Industry Government Forum since this summer’s general election.
During the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to working with the cruise industry on shared goals, including the pursuit of net zero cruising by 2050 and the industry contributing to the UK’s economic growth.
The meeting, attended by senior representatives of five government departments, including the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, allowed for industry leaders to discuss a joint plan for the cruise industry in the UK. This will include shared objectives related to skills, net zero and economic growth. The attendees also discussed the unique role of cruise in bringing tourists to parts of the UK that can be more difficult to reach by other forms of transport.
The meeting also allowed the Government to outline what its agenda means for the cruise industry for the first time. Following the meeting, attendees agreed to work on a joint plan related to cruise.
Mike Kane MP, Minister for Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security said: “The cruise industry plays a vital role in supporting UK maritime and tourism, boosting jobs and economic growth in coastal communities across the UK. I was delighted to address the Forum for the first time as Minister, to discuss how industry and the Government can work together to reach Net Zero and decarbonise the sector.”
Andy Harmer, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted that this new Government is committed to working with our industry and that it recognises the extensive value that we bring to the economy. Whether it be the many thousands of travel agents working in every part of the country, our world class ports, or through the many cruise lines that operate from or visit the UK, our industry plays a crucial role nationally, the Government rightly recognises this contribution. We were delighted to discuss our shared agenda with the Maritime Minister and other Government officials. We look forward to working collaboratively on these shared aims.”
(Minister Mike Kane joins the fifth meeting of the biannual Cruise Industry Government Forum, inviting the industry to work with the Government on shared goals – CLIA)
