Recovering Highland cruise business will see record breaking 2022.

Highland Tourism Talks: Cruising – online event in partnership with Port of Cromarty Firth attended by more than 40 members of Highlands tourism community 

2022 cruise ship bookings at Port of Cromarty Firth, Invergordon expected to surpass 2019 figures

2022 cruise business will be worth in the region of £20m to the local economy and is set to exceed passengers numbers in 2019 0f 167,000

Highland Tourism CIC hosted online event ‘Highland Tourism Talks: Cruising’ today where members of the Highland tourism community were given an overvew of the developments within the Cruise industry over the last 12 months from representatives of Port of Cromarty Firth. 

The presentation from Allison McGuire, Cruise Manager Invergordon, Port of Cromarty Firth was welcomed by attendees keen to learn and ask questions about the Highland cruise industry and recovery plans.  Allison McGuire said:  “Today was a great opportunity to work with Highland Tourism to communicate our optimism for the future of cruise business in the Highlands to members of the local tourism community. With a high level of demand for port calls for 2022 and work ongoing by the Scottish Government for the safe reintroduction in 2021 when restrictions are lifted, we are confident that we will see this sector bounce back.”

Attendees heard that 60 per cent of all passengers to Invergordon were from Germany and the USA in 2019, with a growing desire to have unique and authentic Highland experiences including more food and drink and adventure offerings. McGuire continued: “The outlook is indeed very comforting however we must re-think how we do things and up our game in the Highlands to ensure we continue to deliver a unique and memorable experience for visitors. I welcome tourism businesses from across all sectors to make contact with us with ideas they may have – a collaborative approach will assist in the success and continued growth of cruise business in the Highlands and value to the local economy.”

The cruising industry has worked hard on the ‘Road to Restart’ and extensive protocols are now in place for when cruising is permitted again, with stringent staff and passenger pre-embarkation testing and distancing in place along with strict processes for shore excursions. 

Highland Tourism co-founder, Yvonne Crook said: “Today’s Highland Tourism Talks: Cruising event with Port of Cromarty Firth was encouraging, particularly in hearing the positive outlook for 2022. This is just one sector in tourism across the highlands and its value underpins Highland Tourism CIC’s message that a comprehensive and collaborative come-back plan for tourism in the Highlands is critically needed to ensure that both businesses and communities survive and thrive.”

A recording of the Highland Tourism Talks: Cruising webinar will be available to watch here soon!