hospitality 39 Holidays at sea increasingly popular
Summer may be over, but the cruise ships keep coming at Portsmouth International Port.
With many cruise tourists stopping to enjoy the attractions and landmarks in historic Portsmouth, it has been the busiest summer season for cruise ships at the Port to date.
As temperatures begin to fall though, and the ships move off to warmer climes for the winter, travel agents are alreaady taking bookings for next year’s holidays at sea.
To celebrate National Cruise Week late last month, agencies all over the country hosted afternoon tea parties as a chance for customers new and old to stop by and have a chat about future cruises.
More agents than ever have signed up to promote cruising this year, with the industry organisation CLIA hoping to attract a new generation of first-time cruisers.
Director Andy Harmer says the boom in holidays at sea keeps growing: “Each year we see record numbers of British passengers choosing to take a cruise – with the sheer diversity of destinations and the great choice of ships and exceptional personal service being the driving factors.“
With a wide range of ’no-fly’ cruises available from Portsmouth there is plenty on offer, and whether it’s a cruise around the coastline of the British Isles, a journey to the Arctic Circle or a holiday in the warmer climes of Southern Europe in mind, there is an offering that starts at Portsmouth International Port.
The cruise industry is an increasingly important part of business in Portsmouth. Investment in new facilities and excellent
transport links to the rest of the UK have helped it develop, maintaining jobs and creating work for local companies as well. Much of the business comes from repeat callers, although in November staff are looking forward to welcoming Thomson’s much-loved cruise ship “Celebration“ for the first time. The ship will arrive in Portsmouth from Lisbon on November 11, bringing to an end a cruise that starts in Turkey.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – OCTOBER 2013
www.businessmag.co.uk
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