Katy Clark MSP on cruise ship levy's Inverclyde impact

A cruise ship levy, a small fee charged to each passenger, could be the solution to transforming these visits into lasting benefits for the local community.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, has called for the introduction of such a levy and said that properly reinvesting the proceeds would benefit, rather than harm, the local economy.

He is right to say that Inverclyde could follow the example of European ports like Barcelona, where similar levies have not deterred cruise traffic but instead generated funds to improve local services and attractions.

READ MORE: Pledge to bring in cruise ship levy welcomed by Inverclyde Council's leader

This year alone, 79 liners and more than 110,000 passengers docked at Greenock Ocean Terminal, with the final arrival of the Regal Princess marking the end of the season on September 30.

Despite these impressive figures, many passengers bypass Inverclyde altogether, opting for pre-arranged tours to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Loch Lomond. With more local attractions and strategic investment in the community, Inverclyde could become a more enticing destination for these high-spending tourists. And the cruise ship levy could provide the resources needed to create that appeal.

With a fee of £3 per passenger Inverclyde could generate up to £300,000 annually. These funds could be reinvested into extending the opening hours of museums, improving public spaces, and enhancing the town centre to offer a more welcoming environment for tourists.

By focusing on creating a more vibrant, visitor-friendly atmosphere, the area could retain more cruise passengers and crew members, encouraging them to spend more time, and money, locally.

The Norwegian Dawn on one of the 79 cruise ship visits to Greenock Ocean Terminal this year. (Image: George Munro) In fact, the groundwork for this transformation has already been laid. Last year, Inverclyde took a major step toward enhancing its tourist infrastructure with the opening of the £20 million visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal.

This state-of-the-art facility, which includes a museum, restaurant, and art gallery, was developed with funding from the Scottish and UK governments, alongside contributions from owner Peel Ports. While the centre has increased local footfall, more must be done to maximize the economic impact of cruise tourism.

A levy could unlock further potential by funding key projects that would make Inverclyde a more attractive destination. Importantly, a small charge, relative to what passengers pay for their cruises, is unlikely to be a deterrent. 

European ports, including those in Barcelona and Venice, have successfully implemented levies without seeing a decline in cruise traffic. Many European ports have also used these funds to address environmental concerns, something Inverclyde could consider to ensure its sustainability goals are met.

READ MORE: Calls for cruise ship levy 'to help make Inverclyde more attractive to tourists'

The Scottish Government is currently conducting a nationwide consultation to gather feedback from local authorities, businesses, and residents on the cruise ship levy. If legislation is introduced, councils would have the power to impose a passenger charge, with Inverclyde Council planning to reinvest proceeds into the local community.

This initiative, already backed by the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), is seen as a significant opportunity to boost Inverclyde’s economy while reducing its environmental footprint. Revenue from the levy could fund green initiatives, such as improving waste management and promoting eco-friendly transportation options for tourists.

Local businesses are also supportive. Many shops, restaurants, and service providers have reported increased footfall from cruise passengers and believe more can be done to harness this potential.

The cruise terminal has already brought more people to the area, especially crew members, and it’s an opportunity we must capitalize on. By creating local packages, such as Scottish-themed events, guided tours, and souvenirs, we can make Inverclyde a more appealing destination.

Experts say cruise ship passengers could spend up to £300 each if they were encouraged to stay in the local area. (Image: George Munro) Experts estimate that each cruise passenger could spend between £200 and £300 if they were encouraged to stay and engage with the area’s offerings.

As cruise tourism continues to rise - one million passengers were expected in Scotland for 2023, according to Cruise Scotland - Inverclyde stands at a crossroads. The cruise ship levy presents a clear opportunity to unlock significant economic benefits while ensuring that the local community sees tangible rewards. By investing in both the tourist infrastructure and sustainable development, we can create a thriving local economy.

As Councillor McCabe puts it: "It’s not just about the monetary value but also the reputational value. When people come here and have a positive experience, they become ambassadors for the area. That’s how we grow our economy and our community.”

With the support of the local council, businesses, and residents, now is the time to seize this opportunity and ensure that tourism brings lasting prosperity to the region.