Inverclyde Hails Benefits of Visiting Cruise Ship Passengers
Inverclyde businesses are benefitting from visiting cruise ship passengers but more can be done to maximise the benefits of tourism, it has been claimed.
As the 2024 cruise ship season comes to a close, the Telegraph spoke with local business owners and community figures and found widespread backing for cruise ships.
A boost in passing trade, and local - and regional - tourism were all hailed and it was further suggested there’s scope to improve on potential benefits to Inverclyde.
Inverclyde North Councillor Elizabeth Robertson is a big supporter and believes they bring nothing but positive economic benefits.
"There are open top bus tours and loads of ideas that are being worked on.
"We are also making improvements to the town centre to make it more attractive through the levelling up funding."
"I think the authorities are doing their best to make the town more attractive to visitors."
"But there a lot of attractions here in Greenock and the Americans also like visiting local cemeteries.
"I have noticed a big difference in the town generally when the ships are in."
Property expert Andrew Bowman would like to see a more united approach to attracting passengers.
Kenny Blair is Managing Director of Buzzworks, which owns Scotts restaurant. The eatery opened last year at the redeveloped ocean terminal.
He is in no doubt of the economic benefits of the cruise ships.
Kenny said: "We warmly welcome any initiative that enhances the local economy, and cruise tourism undoubtedly plays a significant role in this growth.
"The new visitor centre is a remarkable addition to Inverclyde, offering not only a world-class facility for passengers but also increasing the appeal of the area to more of these impressive vessels.
"We’re proud to contribute to the continued development of Greenock."
A key role is also played by volunteers from the Inverclyde Tourist Group.
They meet and greet passengers with information about Inverclyde when they step off the ships.
One guide, Cecile Fleming, said: "We try and persuade them to remain in the Greenock and Inverclyde area for the duration of their stay."
A Peel Ports spokesperson added: “We hear first-hand how the arrival of so many visitors and crew is a real boost to many local businesses in Inverclyde, as well as companies and tourist attractions across Central Scotland.
“With strong bookings already being made for 2025, we want to grow our cruise number further in the months and years ahead, which we believe will bring further benefits for Inverclyde.”
This article & images appeared in The Greenock Telegraph