Fred Olsen and Clia host cruise showcase for Scottish politicians
James ChappleFred Olsen and Clia hosted a delegation of Scottish politicians last week to bring them up to speed on the cruise industry’s ambitions to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 and teach them about the sector’s contribution to Scotland’s tourism economy.
The event was hosted onboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral in Rosyth in partnership with the Scottish parliament’s cross-party group for maritime and shipbuilding, and saw MSPs take a tour of the ship while docked near Edinburgh.
Paul Sweeney MSP, the group’s chair, said the group recognised the "vital role" played by the cruise sector over several decades in bringing tourists to Scotland, as well as its growth in recent years, which he stressed "had cemented it as a key part of Scotland’s tourism economy".
Sweeney said MSPs had been able to discuss ways to deepen the value of Scotland’s cruise supply chain, from improving the availability of shore-side power to winning more cruise ship refit and conversion work.
Other topics included promoting Glasgow as a world-leading centre of crew training for cruise lines, and "using the marine engineering research base" of Scotland’s universities to contribute to the development of zero-emission ship propulsion systems.
Clia managing director UK and Ireland Andy Harmer said: "The economic impact of cruise can be seen across the UK, and it was a pleasure to meet with MSPs on the Balmoral to highlight how our industry benefits Scotland.
"Cruise passengers often visit parts of the country that are rarely reached by other tourists, and it was a pleasure to meet with the MSPs to discuss the benefits that this brings to Scotland.”
Peter Deer, Fred Olsen’s managing director, added: "Scotland has long been an important area for Fred Olsen, with Scottish ports continuing to be popular destinations with our guests. It was a pleasure to showcase our relationship with the region and welcome the MSPs on board our beautiful ship."
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