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Call for Highlands to 'up our game' as cruise ships prepare to return to the north


By Calum MacLeod

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MV Costa Mediterranea visiting the Cromarty Firth in 2019. Image by: Malcolm McCurrach | © Malcolm McCurrach 2019 New Wave Images UK.
MV Costa Mediterranea visiting the Cromarty Firth in 2019. Image by: Malcolm McCurrach | © Malcolm McCurrach 2019 New Wave Images UK.

Scotland's busiest cruise port is preparing to bounce back and welcome returning visitors after Covid-19 brought a halt to its record-breaking progress.

The latest online Highland Tourism Talk from recently founded industry body Highland Tourism CIC heard from representatives of Port of Cromarty Firth as they looked back at the impact of the last 12 months, and ahead to how Scotland and the Highlands and Islands can rebuild itself as a leading cruise ship destination.

Prior to the disruption of the sector caused by the pandemic, Scotland was on target to welcome more than one million cruise ship passengers annually by the end of this decade.

Allison McGuire, cruise manager for the Port of Cromarty Firth, is optimistic the cruise business in the Highlands will make a swift recovery.

"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,” she said.

However, she 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.”

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.

The audience also learned that the cruising industry has worked hard on the "Road to Restart" and extensive protocols are now in place for cruising's eventual return, with stringent staff and passenger pre-embarkation testing and distancing now being introduced 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.”

The Highland Tourism Talks: Cruising webinar is available to watch on www.highlandtourism.org


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