Hampshire has seen a resurgence in cruise ship arrivals this year, with numbers now reaching pre-COVID levels, according to discussions in a council meeting. Approximately 2 million passengers, arriving on nearly 500 vessels, including 7 new cruise ships, are expected to visit Southampton port by the end of the year.
Each cruise call contributes significantly to the local economy, amounting to GBP 2.7 million, as emphasized by Hampshire 2050's Director, Gary Westbrook, during a cabinet meeting. Currently, about half of this economic benefit remains within the region, supporting approximately 14,000 jobs annually.
Southampton's port plays host to around 2 million passengers annually on cruise ships. The economic significance of these cruise ship visits, each valued at GBP 2.7 million, cannot be understated, and there have been studies conducted to ensure that this economic contribution is maximized and retained.
Portsmouth is also making strides to increase the number of passengers arriving on cruise calls, with plans to welcome 97,000 passengers on 83 ships in 2023, a significant rise from the 35,000 passengers in 2022.
Efforts are underway to promote tourist destinations in Hampshire, aiming to encourage tourist spending in the region, further establishing Hampshire as an attractive destination and an essential stop for tourists visiting the UK.
The region's wine tourism industry serves as a successful model for ensuring that the money generated from tourism is reinvested in the local area.