PRESS RELEASE

December 18th, 2010

Cruise ship boost

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is to sponsor an event for representatives from all across Scotland’s cruise ship industry at the Scottish Parliament this week.

Following a record year at Greenock Ocean Terminal for general manager Andrew Hemphill and the Clydeport team, the local MSP is keen to get parliamentary support for Scotland’s cruise ship industry and has invited Cruise Scotland to hold an event at Holyrood.

Among the local groups coming through for the event are Clydeport, Riverside Inverclyde, Discover Inverclyde and the Greenock Chamber of Commerce.

A reception will be held in the Scottish Parliament this Wednesday (December 8th) to allow key industry representatives to meet with MSPs and government ministers, including Tourism Minister Jim Mather.

Mr McNeil said: “Given the tremendous year Andrew and his team have had, with more than 52,000 visitors coming to the area through the Greenock Ocean Terminal, we know what a burgeoning and important industry this is.

“We need to work across the regions to ensure Scotland continues to be an attractive destination for cruise ship tourists and we can draw even more visitors to Inverclyde.

“This event will allow key players in the cruise ship industry to make their case to MSPs and ministers for increased support and allow us all to get behind this important area of Scottish and local tourism.”

Cruise Scotland is the umbrella group for organisations involved in the promotion of Scottish ports as a destination for cruise ships.

Mr McNeil will introduce the event and Jim Mather, Richard Alexander, chair of Cruise Scotland, and Peter Pate, chair of MSC Cruises.

ENDS