Efforts must be made to ensure businesses 'are getting full advantage' of cruise passengers stopping off in Greenock, Inverclyde's MP has said.

Labour politician Martin McCluskey made the plea following a visit onboard the Regal Princess, alongside MSPs Stuart McMillan, Ross Greer, and Paul Sweeney, as well as members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The meeting took place in the middle of this year’s cruise season which will see over 75 ships dock at Greenock’s Ocean and Cruise Terminal.

Newly elected MP for Inverclyde Mr McCluskey said: “The cruise market is a growing one for Inverclyde, but we need to make sure that local businesses are getting full advantage of passengers disembarking at Greenock.

“We had a useful discussion yesterday about how more local businesses can benefit from the cruise market and I’m hoping to take this forward over the coming months.”

(Image: Martin McCluskey)

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan added: “The new Greenock Ocean Terminal opens up opportunities for Inverclyde’s tourism sector, so I was pleased to speak to the Captain and Cruise Line International Association staff about how we can work together to ensure my constituency benefits from increased tourists.

“We also discussed a potential Cruise Ship Levy which could enable Inverclyde to use the monies raised to directly fund and develop our local tourism offering.

“During the tour of the ship, I was impressed by their steps towards greater sustainability and believe the industry is seriously listening to calls that they must do all they can to limit their impact on the environment.”

(Image: Office of Stuart McMillan)

Politicians discussed the success of the terminal's new £20m visitor centre that opened in August 2023, including a museum, restaurant and purpose-built arrivals and departures hall.

Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “Our industry has been delighted to see Greenock’s recent investment in its visitor terminal, helping to cement its role as one of the most popular cruise destinations in Scotland.

“This will help grow the economic and social benefits of cruises to Greenock and the surrounding region.

"Collaboration with cruise ports and destinations is critical to ensuring a great experience for both our guests and local residents, which is why we are delighted to be in Greenock today.”  

According to the CLIA, cruise passengers spend around £700 at port calls during a week of sailing, giving money to local shops, restaurants and taxi companies.

Eithne Williamson, vice president of Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said they were ‘grateful’ to be able to invite local politicians onto the Regal Princess to discuss the ‘important role’ cruise tourism plays in the visitor economy in Scotland.

She added: “Local residents may recognise Regal Princess as a frequent visitor to Greenock port, which will bring almost 50,000 visitors from across the world to Greenock and the surrounding region across this year, as part of our British Isles itineraries.

“Scotland holds huge appeal to our guests, who are eager to immerse themselves in the rich history and heritage of this beautiful country, and who will be spending time at local businesses from restaurants and bars to museums and attractions.”