Following a successful 2018 season at the ports of Swansea and Cardiff, port owner and operator, ABP is working to further develop the cruise sector in the region throughout 2019 and beyond.
Representatives from ABP South Wales attended the annual SeaTrade Cruise Med event in Portugal on 19th and 20th September to further promote the South Wales ports to the industry.
The Port of Cardiff already has several bookings for cruise vessel calls the 2019 and 2020 seasons, where passengers will either visit Wales as part of their cruise itineraries, or embark on their cruise voyages from the port.
Between May and September 2018, six cruise calls and over 4,000 passengers relied on the port facilities and services provided by ABP South Wales at the ports of Cardiff and Swansea.
As well as continuing to support day calls, ABP South Wales believes there is significant potential to increase the number of cruise holidays that embark in South Wales to provide greater accessibility and ease for passengers from Wales, the South West, and the Midlands.
Richard Butler, Commercial Manager, ABP South Wales, said:
“We continue to work closely with key stakeholders at Cruise Wales and local authority tourism teams, to push South Wales firmly onto the cruising map. Our regional ports of Swansea, Cardiff and Newport provide a convenient and accessible gateway for passengers seeking to enjoy the rich heritage of South Wales and the abundance of tourism attractions on offer.
“We are looking forward to promoting South Wales as one of the best cruise destinations in the UK at SeaTrade Cruise Med and will be seeking to attract even more cruise vessels to call at our ports in the future.
“It is also important we collaborate with the growing cruise market operators and encourage the accessibility to the people of South Wales who are looking to set sail from their home port ”
Seatrade Cruise Med is the leading cruise trade event for the Mediterranean region and its adjoining seas. During the exhibition representatives from ABP South Wales will be on stand number 460.